The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that a compulsory training program for Hajj pilgrims will commence on January 1, according to the report.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Nisab Committee for Hajj Training held in Islamabad. The ministry made it clear that all pilgrims must attend the one-day training session and follow the schedule issued by the authorities.
According to the ministry, training details will be shared through the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile app, the official website, and SMS notifications. The purpose of the program is to help pilgrims better understand Hajj rituals and stay informed about administrative matters.
Officials said the sessions will be conducted by experienced staff from Haji camps, master trainers, and religious scholars, with the help of multimedia presentations.
At the same time, the ministry confirmed that Saudi Arabia has introduced new medical eligibility rules for Hajj 2026, following guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health.
Under the new rules, pilgrims suffering from serious illnesses will be prohibited from performing Hajj. This includes patients with kidney failure, those undergoing dialysis, and individuals with lung or liver diseases or cancer.
People with severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, memory disorders, chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and those suffering from tuberculosis, whooping cough, or viral hemorrhagic fever will also be barred from the pilgrimage.
The ministry warned that pilgrims found medically unfit could be sent back from Saudi Arabia at their own expense. It also said action will be taken against doctors who issue false medical fitness certificates.
Medical officers may stop unfit pilgrims before departure, while Saudi teams will verify medical documents upon arrival. The ministry stressed that only pilgrims who meet the required health standards will be allowed to undertake the sacred journey.