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ISLAMABAD: Designated banks across Pakistan are open today for the receipt of Hajj applications from registered pilgrims, Pakistani state media reported.

Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims. Of this, 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry.

Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long Hajj package (38–42 days) and a short package (20–25 days). The estimated cost of the government Hajj package ranges between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 (approximately $4,050 to $4,236).

“Hajj applicants can submit their applications online or through banks as per their convenience,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported, citing a ministry spokesman.

“The State Bank has issued instructions to 14 banks in this regard.”

Pakistan has received over 58,000 applications from intending pilgrims for Hajj 2026, the religious affairs ministry said on Friday.

Individuals, registered on a first-come, first-served basis, can deposit the first installment of their Hajj dues by Saturday, Aug. 9, according to the ministry.

The second installment of Hajj dues will be collected starting in November this year, it said.

�������� had approved a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan this year as well, but a large portion of the private Hajj quota for 2025 remained unutilized due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its full allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims.

Private operators attributed the shortfall to technical issues, including payment processing problems and communication breakdowns.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to broaden their partnership in diverse areas, including environmental sustainability and green investments, Pakistan’s climate change minister said on Friday.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik and Qatar’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater, in Islamabad.

Malik said the meeting covered Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva next week, Pakistan’s upcoming Green Startups Initiative to empower youth and attract international investors.

“Both sides reaffirmed commitment to expanding cooperation in climate action, trade and people-to-people ties,” the minister said, emphasizing the need for fair, accessible, and people-centered global environmental agreements that address the socio-economic realities of developing countries.

Pakistan and Qatar have longstanding economic, defense and cultural relations. In 2022, the Qatar Investment Authority committed $3 billion for projects in Pakistan, spanning airport management, renewable energy and hospitality.

Pakistan, currently bolstered by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, ranks among countries most affected by climate change and has been planning several initiatives to boost green economy, aiming to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities while ensuring sustainable development.

“The Ambassador of Qatar expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in climate action besides trade and investment,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.