Islamabad, February 22, 2026: In a major step toward ensuring what officials describe as the smoothest Hajj experience in Pakistan’s history, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has successfully concluded the first phase of a 10-day modern training programme for Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj.
Drawing inspiration from international best practices adopted in Indonesia, Türkiye, and Malaysia, the initiative marks a significant shift from conventional orientation sessions to structured, technical training aimed at enhancing on-ground support for pilgrims.
For the first time, Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj have been equipped with digital maps developed by the Survey of Pakistan, life-saving and emergency response skills imparted by Rescue 1122, and crowd management training provided by the Islamabad Police. The training is designed to enable immediate and professional assistance to pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and the sacred sites of Mashair — Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
Coordinator for Makkah and Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj, Zulfiqar Khan, said the training modules were developed after a comprehensive review of global standards. “Experts from the Survey of Pakistan trained our staff in reading digital maps through smartphones and presentations to ensure precise guidance for pilgrims,” he said, adding that Rescue 1122 conducted mock exercises for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency medical response.
He explained that the programme has been divided into two phases: an initial joint training session, now completed, and a forthcoming “functional-level” specialised phase. The second phase will focus on preparing food, transport, and building management teams for their specific responsibilities to ensure effective crisis management during Hajj operations.
To enhance transparency and attentiveness, online quizzes were conducted at the end of each training session, with more than 500 participants achieving a perfect score. The programme also included road management training and basic Arabic language courses conducted through the International Islamic University Islamabad, aimed at reducing communication barriers in Saudi Arabia.
Zulfiqar Khan noted that a substantial number of female assistants have been inducted this year to ensure inclusive support for all pilgrims. He said the assistants have been provided with a comprehensive digital view of Mina’s roads, bridges, and Jamarat routes, enabling them to identify camp locations and zones well in advance.
Under the newly introduced Nazim Scheme, each supervisor will accompany a group of 188 pilgrims on the same flight from Pakistan and remain with them throughout their stay, overseeing daily worship routines, transportation to holy sites, and the return journey.
As a pilot initiative, around 23,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel between Madinah and Makkah via high-speed train, reducing travel time to just two hours. Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj have received specialised training in platform and passenger management to facilitate this transition. They have also been trained to manage the round-the-clock Saloat shuttle service, which transports pilgrims from their residences to designated drop-off points near the Haram for daily prayers.
Zulfiqar Khan said that a total of 870 Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj, selected through a competitive process, will form the backbone of operations across transport, food, and accommodation sectors. “This modern training reflects our commitment to making Hajj 2026 an administrative role model, ensuring both spiritual comfort and logistical excellence for Pakistani pilgrims,” he concluded.
