Post-Hajj operation begins

First batch landed in Multan carrying 150 passengers, second reached Lahore with 190 pilgrims

KARACHI:

The Pakistani Hajj pilgrims on Thursday started returning to the country after completing their religious obligations with various flights bringing them back.

On the first day of the month-long post-Hajj flight operation, the first batch of 1,723 Hajj pilgrims were expected to return through different flights to four cities.

The pilgrims were scheduled to fly from Saudi Arabia to Multan, Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.

The first post-Hajj flight PF-723 landed in Multan from Jeddah airport carrying 150 passengers.

Similarly, the second flight PA-471 reached Lahore with 190 pilgrims on board.

Punjab Hajj Director Muhammad Rizwan Sharif and Lahore Deputy Director Mujeeb Shah accompanied by Civil Aviation officials greeted the returning pilgrims, presenting them with bouquets in a warm reception.

The second flight, carrying 150 pilgrims, landed in Lahore at 7 pm.

The first post-Hajj Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-860 arrived at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi from Jeddah, carrying 160 pilgrims.

PIA District Manager Umar Khan, Airport Manager Javed Pichoho, and other officials warmly welcomed the pilgrims.

Another PIA flight, PK-740, from Jeddah landed at the Islamabad International Airport in the federal capital, returning 443 pilgrims.

They were received by their relatives and friends, who adorned them with flower garlands.

Airport Manager Aftab Gilani, the Hajj deputy director, the chief security officer, and PIA officials were present there to welcome the pilgrims.

Moreover, 200 and 150 pilgrims arrived in Islamabad earlier through private flights.

Thr PIA will bring back over 35,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia through 171 flights in the following weeks till July 21. The flights are operational for Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar.