First phase of mandatory Hajj training begins today

The first phase of the mandatory Hajj training programme commenced from today (Thursday), as announced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. 

Religious Ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt stated that the training sessions are scheduled to be held at 147 locations in the country starting from January 23, 2025.

Initially, sessions will take place in Bannu, Islamabad, Mandi Bahauddin, and Shaheed Benazirabad.

Subsequently, the program will expand to Charsadda, Lakki Marwat, and Islamabad. Additional sessions will continue until Saturday in Islamabad, Lahore, Tank, and Umerkot, Sindh.

Stressing the importance of training, Umar advised pilgrims to attend these camps, emphasising that these programs will enhance understanding of Hajj rites.

Overseas Pakistanis would also attend the program as it is mandatory for all Hajj pilgrims to participate in the training. Authorities have directed them to attend camps in their respective districts upon arriving in Pakistan.

The spokesperson further stated that new applicants who have paid Hajj fee will be allowed to participate in the training upon presenting their bank receipts.

On January 13, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia finalised an agreement for Hajj 2025, with 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims set to undertake the annual pilgrimage. 

In this regard, the government announced a significant reduction in Hajj airfares for 2025, providing financial relief to pilgrims.

According to authorities, each of the 89,605 pilgrims will now pay Rs220,000 for air travel, which is Rs14,000 less than the Rs234,000 charged last year.

However, the government had received the Hajj application till December 10.