Ibtesam Gul
Pakistan’s Pre-Hajj Flight Operation Underway as Over 5,000 Pilgrims Reach Saudi Arabia
Islamabad: Thousands of Pakistani Pilgrims Arrive in Madinah Under Government Scheme, and according to Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson Umar Butt, a total of 5,250 pilgrims have been transported to the holy city via 21 flights as part of the ongoing efficient operation. An additional 13 flights are scheduled to depart on Tuesday, carrying 3,510 more pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
An official announcement confirmed that Tuesday’s schedule includes four flights from Islamabad, two each from Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Quetta, and one from Sialkot. To support travellers, Ministry staff are on duty around the clock at airports in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The pre-Hajj flight operation is slated to continue without interruption until May 21.
Under the recently commenced operation, 1,357 pilgrims from various cities have reached Madinah so far. Upon their arrival, they were received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani, and other senior officials.
All arriving pilgrims have been moved to the Markazia area of Madinah, located in close proximity to Masjid-e-Nabwi. The Pakistan Hajj Mission has finalized accommodation in this area for all 119,210 pilgrims performing Hajj under the government scheme this year. Pilgrims expressed their gratitude to both the Pakistani and Saudi governments for the excellent facilities and arrangements provided. The pre-Hajj operation is expected to conclude just before the formal commencement of Hajj rituals.
