Key points
- Training schedules shared via app, website, and SMS
- Sessions cover rituals and administrative matters using multimedia
- Saudi Arabia allotted Pakistan a 179,210-pilgrim quota
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that a compulsory training programme for Hajj 2026 pilgrims will commence on Thursday, state media reported, as preparations for the annual Islamic pilgrimage ramp up in Islamabad.
The announcement was made by Dr Syed Atta ur Rehman, the Federal Secretary of Religious Affairs, who chaired a meeting of the Curriculum Committee for Hajj Training in Islamabad on Monday, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
“The day-long training will be mandatory for all intending pilgrims as per their schedule, which will be communicated to them through the Pak Hajj mobile app, website and SMS,” Radio Pakistan said.
The state media said the ministry has made the training mandatory to make intending pilgrims aware of Hajj rituals and administrative matters.
“Experienced master trainers and scholars from the ministry and Hajj camps will provide training through multimedia,” it said.
Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims earlier this year for Hajj 2026. Of these, around 118,000 seats have been allocated to the government scheme and the rest 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.
