Pakistan to start mandatory Hajj training sessions from January 1

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that a training programme for Hajj pilgrims will begin from January 1. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Hajj Training Nisab Committee held at the ministry in Islamabad.

The ministry has made it mandatory for all pilgrims to attend a one-day training session and stressed that participation is compulsory according to the given schedule. Details of the training timetable will be shared through the Pak-Hajj 2025 mobile application, the official website, and SMS notifications.

The purpose of the training is to ensure that pilgrims clearly understand Hajj rituals and are properly informed about administrative procedures. The sessions will be conducted using multimedia presentations by experienced Haji camp officials, master trainers, and religious scholars.

Earlier, following instructions from the Saudi Ministry of Health, new medical requirements have been introduced for Hajj 2026. The Saudi government has imposed a complete ban on pilgrims suffering from serious illnesses, a decision confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

According to Saudi health authorities, individuals with kidney failure or those undergoing dialysis will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026. Pilgrims with lung and liver diseases will also be restricted under the new medical rules.

The ministry warned that any ailing pilgrim found unfit may be deported from Saudi Arabia, and all related expenses will have to be borne by the individual. It also said legal action will be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates to medically unfit pilgrims.

Pilgrims suffering from severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, memory loss, or other chronic illnesses will also be barred from performing Hajj. In addition, pregnant women and those suffering from whooping cough, tuberculosis, or viral hemorrhagic fever will not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage in 2026.

The ministry further confirmed that cancer patients are also prohibited from performing Hajj. Medical officers will have the authority to stop any pilgrim from travelling if they are declared unfit before departure. Saudi monitoring teams will also verify the accuracy of medical fitness certificates.

Only pilgrims who meet the required basic health standards will be permitted to travel for Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated.