Ministry reports 183 training sessions completed nationwide; accommodation in Makkah and Madinah secured ‘better than last year’
ISLAMABAD – 19 February 2026 – Pakistan’s preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage are in their final stages, with authorities confirming that aspiring pilgrims have already received training across 107 cities ahead of their journey to Saudi Arabia later this year.
The religious affairs ministry announced Thursday that 183 training workshops have been conducted nationwide to educate pilgrims about both the spiritual rituals and administrative procedures required for the pilgrimage – essential instruction for the many Pakistani devotees travelling abroad for the first time.
Federal Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Sajid Mahmood Chauhan confirmed the training milestone following a high-level review meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf in Islamabad. The meeting assessed accommodation arrangements, transport logistics, vaccination requirements and travel documentation.
“The second phase of one-day training sessions will begin immediately after Eid-ul-Fitr,” Chauhan stated.
Accommodation and Logistics Finalised
Officials reported that arrangements including accommodation, transport in Mina and Arafat, and food services have entered their final preparation phase. Vaccination campaigns, air ticket bookings and visa processing are scheduled to commence shortly.
Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro delivered a particularly encouraging update to the meeting, stating: “Makkah and Madinah accommodation has been secured better than last year.”
The minister directed authorities to ensure “ideal arrangements” both domestically and in Saudi Arabia, emphasising that pilgrims and support staff should serve as positive ambassadors for Pakistan during the pilgrimage.
Quota and Selection Process
Pakistan has been allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026, consistent with the country’s approved Hajj policy. The government scheme will accommodate 119,210 pilgrims, while private tour operators will facilitate the remaining 60,000.
Applications are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis, supported by digitised monitoring systems and coordinated training arrangements.
With one of the world’s largest national contingents participating annually, Pakistan’s Hajj operation requires months of coordination between Islamabad and Saudi authorities – a logistical undertaking now approaching its critical phase as departure dates draw nearer.
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