The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced the vaccination schedule for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025. Vaccinations begin today, with priority given to pilgrims in major cities.
Key Vaccination Dates for Pakistani Pilgrims
- Starting Today (April 21, 2025): Pilgrims in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan will receive the mandatory meningitis vaccine.
- April 22, 2025: Vaccination drives begin in Karachi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Faisalabad, and Sialkot.
- April 23, 2025: Pilgrims in Quetta, Balochistan, will be vaccinated.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made the meningitis vaccine mandatory for all international pilgrims. Proof of vaccination is now required for Hajj package registration.
Health authorities stress that this measure is crucial for preventing infectious disease outbreaks during Hajj, which attracts millions of pilgrims globally.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will begin its pre-Hajj flight operations on April 29, 2025. More than 56,000 pilgrims will be transported to Saudi Arabia through 280 flights, utilising Boeing 777 and Airbus aircraft.
