Pakistan begins post-Hajj flight operation for pilgrims
First flights arrive in Karachi, Faisalabad and Islamabad on July 2
Islamabad: Pakistan began a month-long post-Hajj flight operation on Sunday (July 2) to facilitate the return of Pakistani pilgrims to their homes. Muslim pilgrims performed farewell Tawaf around the Kaaba for a final time in Mecca and then departed the holy city as the spiritual journey of Hajj reached its conclusion on Friday.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in a statement that the return flights would commence on July 2 for nearly 82,000 pilgrims under the government scheme. “The first three flights from Jeddah airport, carrying 693 Hajj pilgrims, will return to the country on Sunday,” said the religious ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umer Butt. The first Hajj flights would land at Karachi, Faisalabad, and Islamabad from Jeddah. The departure of pilgrims from Medina to Pakistan will commence on July 5. The Hajj flight operation would continue till August 2.
First flights arrive at Islamabad and Karachi
On July 2, 2023, the first Hajj flight PK 762 touched down at Islamabad International Airport, bringing home 394 pilgrims. Among the passengers on the first flight to Islamabad was Minister for Religious Affairs Talha Mehmood. The minister warmly greeted the pilgrims, presenting them with garlands and gifts. Meanwhile, another flight PK 832 arrived at Karachi airport with 361 Hajj pilgrims.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, Serene Air, and Saudi Airlines have joined forces to ensure the secure return of Pakistani pilgrims, with coordinated efforts and arrangements in place.
This year, 26,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims travelled through the ‘Makkah Route Initiative’, which allows all immigration requirements to be completed at the airport of origin, saving long hours of waiting at Saudi airports.
In a gesture of generosity and religious significance, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has initiated the distribution of two million copies of the Holy Quran as a gift from King Salman to pilgrims returning to their home countries.