ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has kicked off the first phase of its mandatory Hajj 2026 trainings for intending pilgrims in Islamabad and other cities, state media reported on Sunday.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said earlier this week that the day-long Hajj training programs will be held in phases across the country until February.
It said these trainings will be conducted by experienced trainers and scholars using multimedia. The religious affairs ministry also said the training exercise has been made mandatory to ensure that intending pilgrims are fully aware of Hajj rituals and administrative procedures.
“The first phase of mandatory comprehensive training program for intending Hajj pilgrims has begun in Islamabad and at different cities,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
“Hajj training sessions will be held in Rawalakot, Badin, and Naushahro Feroze tomorrow, while pilgrims in Fateh Jang, Dadu, and Tharparkar will receive training on Tuesday.”
Radio Pakistan said the trainings will continue in Sindh’s Umerkot and Larkana cities on Wednesday, followed by sessions in Mirpurkhas, Shahdadkot and Mansehra cities on Thursday.
“Mandatory vaccination process will also begin at all Hajj camps after the completion of the training sessions,” it added.
The state media website said details of the training have been communicated to pilgrims using the Pak Hajj 2026 mobile application and SMS service, adding that they are also available on the religious affairs ministry’s website.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, of which around 118,000 seats have been reserved under the government scheme, while the remainder will be allocated to private tour operators.
Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 ($4,049.93 to $4,236), subject to final agreements with service providers.
