The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has rejected media reports claiming that Hajj flights could be suspended due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East.
A spokesperson for the ministry said the reports circulating in some sections of the media were baseless and misleading.
He clarified that arrangements for Hajj 2026 were continuing according to the planned schedule and that no decision had been made regarding suspension or delay of flights.
Arrangements and Visa Process Underway
The spokesperson said the process of issuing visas to intending pilgrims was currently underway at full pace.
He added that other administrative preparations were also being completed according to the planned timelines to ensure that all departure-related formalities are finalised in time.
Earlier, the ministry had directed private Hajj operators to complete visa processing for Hajj 2026 by March 15, ahead of the deadline set by Saudi authorities on March 20.
According to the ministry, the directive was issued to avoid possible delays due to the upcoming Eid holiday or other unforeseen circumstances.
Official Flight Schedule After Eid
The ministry said the official Hajj flight schedule would be announced after Eid al-Fitr.
At that stage, intending pilgrims will receive complete details about their flights, accommodation in Mecca and Medina, and other arrangements.
The ministry also urged intending pilgrims to ignore unverified reports and rely only on official announcements issued by the government.
‘Rehnuma-e-Hajj’ Guidebook Released
In a separate development, the ministry released a detailed guidebook titled Rehnuma-e-Hajj to assist intending pilgrims preparing for Hajj 2026.
The booklet provides a comprehensive explanation of each stage of the pilgrimage, starting from departure from Pakistan to the performance of rituals and return home.
According to the ministry, the guidebook is organised into several chapters that explain important aspects of the pilgrimage in an easy and understandable manner.
