Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its earlier Hajj age limit of 15 years. This allows pilgrims above 12 years to perform Hajj, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said Saturday.
The ministry said Saudi authorities revoked the restriction shortly after announcing it.
Under the revised directive, pilgrims aged 12 or older will be allowed to travel for Hajj, restoring the previous policy.
The ministry had earlier said Saudi Arabia set the minimum age for Hajj 2026 at 15 years. The cutoff was tied to May 27, 2026, which corresponds to the Day of Arafah.
Under the withdrawn directive, airlines were instructed not to carry pilgrims under 15 years old.
Director General Hajj Jeddah Abdul Wahab Soomro also announced the phased establishment of 35 modern clinics in Makkah and Medinah. These clinics are intended for 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims.
Soomro said the clinics would operate under Saudi Ministry of Health regulations. Additionally, a new central clinic was activated in Azizia near the Pakistan Hajj Mission office.
Officials said three to four ambulances would remain on 24/7 alert at each clinic.
Medical authorities said more than 8,000 types of medicines had been distributed free through OPD services. Meanwhile, the laboratory offered 28 diagnostic tests.
