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Pakistani celebrities perform Hajj 2026, share spiritual journey with fans

Pakistani celebrities

LAHORE: A large number of Pakistani showbiz personalities have been blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj in 2026, joining millions of Muslims from around the world in the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.

As in previous years, several actors, television hosts, journalists and social media influencers from Pakistan are currently in the holy land, sharing glimpses of their spiritual journey with fans on social media.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every financially and physically able Muslim. Pilgrims from across the globe gather in Makkah to express devotion and humility before God.

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Among the prominent personalities performing Hajj this year is television, Former cricketers Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq were also seen performing the pilgrimage, sharing reflective moments with their companions.

Television host Waseem Badami, who shared moments from his pilgrimage on social media that were widely appreciated by fans.

Senior journalist and anchor Farah Iqrar also posted spiritual pictures from the holy sites, receiving prayers and good wishes from followers.

Social media couple Zulqarnain Sikandar and Kanwal Aftab are also among those performing Hajj this year, sharing images and videos from Makkah.

Comedian and host Tabish Hashmi also posted pictures from the holy journey, while actress Tooba Anwar shared her spiritual experiences during Hajj.

Singer Humayun Alamgir also shared photographs from the sacred sites.

Actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem and actor Bilal Abbas Khan also trended on social media after their Hajj pictures went viral.

Religious scholar Qasim Ali Shah is also among those performing Hajj this year.

Each year, Pakistani public figures share their spiritual experiences from Hajj, with fans widely engaging in prayers and well-wishes on social media platforms.

Saudi visa biometric now essential for Hajj 2026 applicants

Saudi visa biometric

ISLAMABAD: An important update has been issued for pilgrims intending to perform Hajj this year, as biometric verification has been declared mandatory for obtaining a Saudi Hajj visa.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims are advised to complete their biometric verification at home through the Saudi “Visa Bio” application as early as possible. The biometric process is compulsory for the issuance of a Hajj visa.

The spokesperson added that if biometric verification cannot be completed through the app, pilgrims must visit the Saudi Tasheer Centre before February 8 to complete the process.

The ministry has clearly stated that Hajj visas will not be issued without biometric verification.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf, while addressing a training workshop at a Haji Camp, emphasized that participation in both phases of Hajj training is mandatory. He warned that pilgrims who fail to attend the training sessions may be deprived of performing Hajj.

He further informed that Hajj training workshops are currently underway at more than 200 locations across the country.

The first phase of training will continue until February 14, while the second phase will be conducted after the month of Ramadan.

The federal minister highlighted that Hajj training helps pilgrims learn the correct performance of rituals, awareness of Saudi laws and arrangements, crowd management safety, discipline, patience, and the spirit of collective worship.

He added that performing Hajj without proper training increases the risk of mistakes and mismanagement during the pilgrimag

Saudi Arabia imposes ban on severely ill pilgrims for Hajj 2026

Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have announced a strict ban on severely ill individuals from performing Hajj 2026, introducing new medical compliance measures for incoming pilgrims.

Under the updated policy, severely ill pilgrims will be deported, and the cost of their return will be borne by the pilgrims themselves.

According to sources in Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, action will also be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates to unfit pilgrims.

The Ministry further clarified that, in line with guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals with kidney diseases, including patients undergoing dialysis, will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026.

The Saudi Ministry of Health has also restricted Hajj for patients suffering from advanced-stage heart, lung, and liver diseases, particularly those unable to endure physical exertion.