LAHORE: Training of pilgrims intending to proceed on Haj under the government scheme this year will begin in Lahore on Monday (today).

Eminent scholars will explain Manasik-i-Haj to the intending pilgrims during the training at Darul Hujjaj on Nicholson Road from July 25 to 30, said Haj Director Saeed Ahmad Malik on Sunday.

Haj flights will begin on Aug 4 and continue till Sept 5. Flight schedule for the pilgrims has been made available on a website (www.hajjinfo.org) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Complete departure schedule can be obtained by entering first six digits of the application form number and the computerised national identity card number at the relevant column there, said Mr Malik.

He said the departure schedule was being sent through SMS to successful applicants under the government scheme while special letters were also being dispatched on the postal addresses given in the applications.

Arrangements have been finalised to vaccinate pilgrims intending to perform Haj under the government scheme at the Haji Camp of Lahore from Monday (July 25). The pilgrims would be vaccinated against flu, polio and meningitis, said a spokesman on Sunday.

Special centres have also been set up at the directorates of Haj all over the country to vaccinate people intending to perform the sacred journey under the private Haj group organisers. These centres will continue to function till the last flight takes off from Pakistan.

All the pilgrims will have to present proof of their vaccination on arrival at Saudi Arabia, where they will again be administered anti-polio drops at the airport.

Those suffering from diabetes, heart and kidney ailments, respiratory diseases should also get themselves vaccinated against influenza, said the spokesman.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2016