ISLAMABAD: Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf reviewed Pakistan’s preparations for Hajj 2026 on Wednesday, the religious affairs ministry said, urging pilgrims to comply with Saudi Arabia’s laws.
Pakistan has said it will send over 179,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with the first Hajj flight scheduled to depart from the country on Apr. 18.
Yousaf chaired a high-level meeting to review the country’s preparations for the pilgrimage. Religious Affairs Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza, Additional Secretary Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Director General of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and other officials participated via Zoom, the ministry said.
“The minister urged pilgrims to strictly follow the instructions of the Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj [Hajj facilitators] to ensure discipline and order,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said in a statement.
“He also advised pilgrims to fully comply with Saudi laws to uphold the country’s good reputation.”
Participants of the meeting conducted a final review of arrangements for the first flight to depart for the Kingdom from Lahore under the Makkah Route Initiative.
Yousaf directed officials to ensure that hospitals and dispensaries in Makkah and Madinah are operational before the arrival of Hajj pilgrims there.
“He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing services at the ministry’s Hajj camps, including training, vaccination, distribution of gifts and other facilities,” MoRA said.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has urged pilgrims to use the “Pak Hajj 2026” mobile app to access information about their flights, departure timings and airports
Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operations are expected to continue uninterrupted until May 21.
