Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf praised the high standard of training given to Khuddam al-Hajj and said Pakistan will ensure uniform, quality food, accommodation and transport for pilgrims during Hajj 2026. Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony after a 10-day training at the Hajj Complex Islamabad, the minister said the trained Khuddam are ready to serve pilgrims with discipline, in line with Saudi regulations, and to handle possible challenges.
The training was completed by 800 successful candidates selected through a competitive process from nearly 38,000 applicants. The minister described the Khuddam role not only as a duty but as a privilege that brings spiritual reward alongside service, noting that serving pilgrims is a special form of worship with great significance.
Zulfiqar Khan, CFO and Coordinator Khuddam al-Hajj, and Qazi Sami-ur-Rahman, Director Hajj Complex Islamabad, were among ministry officials present at the event. The ministry said the selection relied on NTS testing and modern training modules that covered every relevant aspect, and that specialized follow-up training will prepare each Khadim for assigned responsibilities before departure for Saudi Arabia.
The ministry highlighted past achievements, recalling five successful Hajj missions between 2013 and 2018 and recent recognition from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj with an Excellence Award, as well as a commendation shield from the Prime Minister. For improved female assistance this year, the number of female staff has been increased from 45 to 85 to better support women pilgrims during Hajj 2026.
Officials added that nazimeen will travel from Pakistan with their assigned pilgrim groups and remain with them through all stages of Hajj, returning to Pakistan with the same contingents. The government emphasized that these measures and the trained Khuddam al-Hajj will help deliver a more organised and reliable Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims in Hajj 2026.
