Jeddah, November 9, 2025: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formally signed an agreement outlining arrangements and facilities for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, Radio Pakistan reported.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah by Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat and Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs Secretary Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman.
Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman expressed gratitude for the Saudi government’s efforts in hosting pilgrims and assured that Pakistani pilgrims will receive high-quality services this year, as was provided last year. He also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to completing arrangements for both government and private Hajj schemes in a timely and efficient manner, in line with Saudi guidelines.
In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced the medical eligibility conditions for Pakistani pilgrims intending to perform Hajj in 2026. The guidelines are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s preventive health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
According to the ministry, individuals with chronic or contagious diseases will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. Specifically, persons suffering from severe heart disease, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, advanced-stage cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia are deemed ineligible.
Those diagnosed with infectious or contagious illnesses, such as open pulmonary tuberculosis or viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), will also be barred from traveling.
The ministry urged applicants to undergo comprehensive medical examinations and provide accurate health information to avoid complications during the selection process. It further emphasized that health certificates will be mandatory, and any false declaration regarding medical status may lead to disqualification.
