The Ministry of Religious Affairs has successfully concluded a four-day mandatory training program for 306 officers and staff members designated for Hajj 2026 operations, marking a key step in preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
The trained personnel will be deployed to facilitate and assist nearly 190,000 Pakistani pilgrims across Makkah, Madinah and the sacred sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
The operational team comprises 19 Grade-19 officers, 25 Grade-18 officers and 272 support staff from Grades 1 to 17. As part of the training, seasonal staff were equipped with hands-on experience in using modern digital platforms, including the Pak Hajj App, Nasik App and Pak Assistants App, aimed at improving service delivery and coordination during Hajj.
Officers were also given detailed briefings on sensitive operational matters such as the command and control system for prompt complaint resolution, arrangements for accommodation and meals during rituals, coordination with relevant institutions, and procedures for locating missing pilgrims.
In addition, 870 trained Khudam-ul-Hajj will be present to provide guidance and support to pilgrims. For the first time, ministry staff have been introduced to modern technology and applications to improve Hajj management. Overall, the training was comprehensive and well-executed.
Hajj operations 2026 to begin from April 18th
On the other hand federal government has finalised arrangements for this year’s Hajj, and the first flight will leave the country for Saudi Arabia on April 18, 2026.
As many as 179,210 pilgrims from Pakistan will perform Hajj this year. Of these, 119,210 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while 60,000 will go through private tour operators.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued the regular flight schedule for Hajj 2026, according to which Hajj flight operations from Pakistan will begin on April 18.
In its announcement, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has specifically instructed Hajj pilgrims to use the Pak Hajj Mobile App to receive the latest information and departure details regarding their flights. The ministry has also clarified that the complete flight schedule has been uploaded to its official website.
To ensure transparency and convenience in Hajj operations, the ministry has urged pilgrims to regularly check the Pak Hajj Mobile App for all future announcements, training videos, and other necessary instructions.
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