ISLAMABAD: The ministry of religious affairs has started mandatory training sessions for Pakistani nationals selected to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage under the government scheme, Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.

Earlier this month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj agreement 2025 under which 179,210 pilgrims from the South Asian country will perform the annual pilgrimage this year. The quota is divided equally between government and private schemes. 

“Hajj training will be provided at one hundred and forty seven locations across the country,” Radio Pakistan reported, quoting a statement from the religious affairs ministry. “The first session of the training workshop will be held in Peshawar tomorrow [Saturday].”

The attendance of Hajj pilgrims at the trainings will be ensured through a QR code in the Pak Hajj mobile app, the report said. Overseas Pakistanis will also receive training at their respective Hajji camps prior to embarking on the journey.

“The first phase of mandatory Hajj training will be completed on 27th of next month [February],” the report added.

Pakistan’s Hajj policy has allowed pilgrims to make payments in installments for the first time. Under this scheme, the first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) had to be submitted with the application, the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) within 10 days of balloting and the remaining amount by Feb. 10 this year.

The Pakistani religious affairs ministry has also launched the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application, available for both Android and iPhone users, to guide pilgrims.

Additionally, the government announced a reduction in airfare, lowering ticket prices for federal program pilgrims to Rs220,000 [$785.41], down from last year’s Rs234,000 [$835.39].

Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and private carriers have agreed to transport pilgrims this year.