Hajj operation kicks off across Pakistan

First flights depart from Karachi, Lahore, Multan airports

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE/MULTAN/ KARACHI:

The first flight carrying Pakistani pilgrims arrived in Madinah from Karachi on Saturday, where 155 pilgrims were accorded a warm and dignified reception.

Earlier, Pakistan's annual Hajj operation has formally commenced, with the first flights carrying pilgrims departing from multiple cities, marking the start of a large-scale nationwide operation under improved arrangements, including the Road to Makkah initiative.

In Karachi, the pre-Hajj flight operation began earlier than usual, with the first flight carrying around 155 pilgrims departing late Friday night from Jinnah International Airport.

The flight marked the opening of this year's operation from the country's largest city. Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi saw off the pilgrims at a ceremony held at the airport lounge. He urged them to pray for Pakistan's stability, prosperity, and development during their pilgrimage.

Officials said that immigration for the pilgrims departing from Karachi was completed under the Road to Makkah project, which aims to streamline travel procedures by completing formalities before departure.

According to sources, a total of 468 flights will operate during the pre-Hajj phase, transporting approximately 119,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from eight major cities across the country.

Meanwhile, Lahore witnessed a historic development as its first Hajj flight under the Road to Makkah initiative departed on Saturday. The Saudi Airlines flight SV-5735 carried around 340 pilgrims to Madinah, marking Lahore's inclusion in the initiative for the first time.

A send-off ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, and provincial ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman.

For the first time, a dedicated coordinator has been assigned for every 188 pilgrims, and additional facilities such as free internet connectivity and air-conditioned tents have been arranged to enhance comfort during the pilgrimage.

In Multan, the Hajj operation also got underway on Saturday, with the first flight carrying 151 pilgrims departing for Madinah. The inaugural flight, operated by Airblue, marked the beginning of a series of 39 scheduled flights expected to transport around 13,000 pilgrims from South Punjab by May 17.

PIA

The Pakistan International Airlines is set to launch its annual pre-Hajj airlift, with operations beginning April 19 and tens of thousands of pilgrims scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia over the coming weeks, officials said on Saturday.

A PIA spokesperson said the airline will transport more than 55,000 pilgrims through 191 flights during the pre-Hajj phase. Of these, 49,000 will travel under the government scheme, while over 6,000 pilgrims flying through private Haj group organisers will also be accommodated on PIA services.

The first flight of the operation, PK-747, is set to depart from Sialkot for Madinah at 1:55am on April 19, carrying more than 390 pilgrims.

In total, Islamabad will account for over 15,400 pilgrims via 46 flights, Karachi for more than 15,000 pilgrims through 55 flights, and Lahore for 12,377 pilgrims on 34 flights.

Faisalabad will see 3,680 pilgrims depart on 23 flights, Multan 5,383 pilgrims on 13 flights, Sialkot 2,075 pilgrims on five flights and Quetta 4,487 pilgrims on 15 flights.

The first Hajj flight from Quetta will leave on April 21 at 5:45am with over 300 pilgrims, while Karachi's first flight, PK-743, will depart on April 23 at 07:15am carrying 391 pilgrims.

Lahore's inaugural pre-Hajj flight is scheduled for April 24 at 10:20pm with more than 300 pilgrims on board, the spokesperson added.

Airline teams stationed at airports, along with PIA offices in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, will assist pilgrims throughout the journey. The pre-Hajj operation is expected to conclude on May 21.

The spokesperson added that all arrangements to facilitate pilgrims have been finalised, and that the airline's CEO has directed staff to ensure strict service standards, warning that no negligence will be tolerated.

Under the "Road to Makkah" facility, pilgrims are being provided modern immigration services aimed at streamlining travel procedures.

Officials also inspected Saudi immigration counters at the airport and expressed satisfaction with the facilities being offered under the initiative.