Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink agreement on Hajj 2026 arrangements

Individuals suffering from certain chronic or contagious diseases will not be permitted to undertake pilgrimage

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formally signed an agreement regarding the arrangements and facilities for the upcoming Hajj, Radio Pakistan reported.

Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat and Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pakistan Secretary Dr Syed Ata-ur-Rehman signed the agreement in Jeddah.

Dr Syed Ata-ur-Rehman expressed gratitude for the Saudi government's excellent efforts in hosting and providing facilities to the guests of Allah. He said like the last year Pakistani pilgrims will be provided with high-quality services this year.

The secretary further expressed the determination of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to complete arrangements for both government and private Hajj schemes in a timely and effective manner, in accordance with the guidelines of the Saudi government.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formally signed an agreement regarding the arrangements and facilities for Hajj 2026. Photo: Radio Pakistan

Saudi Arabia issues health conditions for Hajj 2026 pilgrims

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced the medical eligibility conditions for Pakistani pilgrims intending to perform Hajj in 2026, as per the health guidelines of the Saudi government.

According to the ministry, individuals suffering from certain chronic or contagious diseases will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. The decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s preventive health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.

The ministry has clarified that persons suffering from severe heart diseases, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, advanced-stage cancer, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia are not eligible for Hajj 2026.

Additionally, 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.

In its advisory, the ministry emphasized that health certificates will be mandatory, and any false declaration regarding medical status could lead to disqualification.

Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan/ X