Pakistan begins mandatory Hajj 2026 pilgrim training

ISLAMABAD: The spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the first phase of mandatory training of Hajj pilgrims for Hajj 2026 is starting from Islamabad from January 1. The details of the training schedule are being conveyed to the pilgrims through the mobile app ‘Pak Hajj 2026’ and SMS. The training schedule will also be available on the website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs so that every Hajj pilgrim can easily be informed about their program.

Training programs will be held in different cities during the first week, training will be given in Abbottabad on January 2, Ghotki, Thatta and Kotli in Azad Kashmir on January 3. Training camps will be held in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Tando Muhammad Khan and Khairpur Sindh on January 4, while training will be provided to Hajj pilgrims in Rawalakot, Badin and Nowshera Feroze in Azad Kashmir on January 5. The training will continue in areas around Fateh Jang, Dadu and Tharparkar (Mithi) on January 6, Umerkot, Larkana and Haripur on January 7, and Mirpur Khas, Shahdadkot and Mansehra on January 8.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the one-day training programs will continue across the country in phases and at the tehsil level until February so that all Hajj pilgrims can complete the training. Hajj pilgrims have been instructed to bring their original identity cards and computerized receipt of Hajj application with them and attend the training program as per their scheduled schedule.

There is also good news for private Hajj pilgrims in the new year that no pilgrim will be deprived of Hajj. In addition, the ministry has decided on strict conditions for private Hajj tour operators to improve the quality of training programs and Hajj arrangements. These measures are being taken to ensure that the training of pilgrims is complete during Hajj and that they can perform religious rituals properly.