ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has completed the first phase of a modern 10-day training program for Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj (Hajj volunteers) for Hajj 2026.
The program has been designed to incorporate international best practices, inspired by the Hajj operations of Indonesia, Turkey, and Malaysia, to ensure superior service delivery.
For the first time, the Khuddam have been equipped with essential skills such as digital map reading through Survey of Pakistan’s digital resources, life-saving medical techniques in collaboration with Rescue 1122, and crowd management strategies developed by Islamabad Police.
These measures are intended to provide pilgrims with immediate, professional assistance during their stay in Makkah, Madinah, and the sacred sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.
Zulfiqar Khan, the Coordinator for Makkah and Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj, explained that the training modules were developed after an extensive global study, aligning with international standards. He emphasized that experts from the Survey of Pakistan were invited to train Khuddam in digital map reading, enabling them to guide pilgrims efficiently using smartphones and digital maps.
Additionally, for the first time, the training program featured emergency medical exercises, including CPR and other life-saving techniques, facilitated by Rescue 1122.
The training has been divided into two segments: the general training, which has already been completed, and specialized functional training, which will be conducted prior to the Hajj operation. The functional training will focus on specific areas like food services, transport, and building management, ensuring that all Khuddam are prepared to handle any crisis in the field.
A notable development for Hajj 2026 is the significant inclusion of female volunteers, ensuring gender equality among the Khuddam. To further ease logistical challenges, a dedicated train service from Madinah to Makkah, as well as special buses for the holy sites, have been arranged to minimize traffic congestion and ensure smoother transportation for pilgrims.
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