ISLAMABAD: Around 8,550 pilgrims from Pakistan have reached the holy city of Madina, confirmed the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday.
A team of 45 members including paramedics has been deputed for the pilgrims while authorities have engaged another 70 from Saudi Arabia to assist and facilitates Pakistani nationals, ministry’s spokesperson Imran Siddiqui told Arab News.
Pakistan started the Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for its 200,000 pilgrims performing Hajj this year.
Ahead of flight operations, a team of Saudi officials had arrived in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad last week to install the immigration system at the Islamabad International Airport as part of ‘Road to Makkah’ project.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the government with the help of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken “revolutionary steps” to facilitate pilgrims, Pakistan’s state-run media reported on Monday.
Addressing a training ceremony for Hajj pilgrims in his native city of Multan, Qureshi said that Pakistan was included in Road to Makkah project upon special request by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
It is for the first time that the South Asian nation will avail domestic immigration facility for its pilgrims availing the Saudi initiative aimed at bringing ease for Muslim around the world.
Over 8000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia
Over 8000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia
- Government has taken 'revolutionary steps' with Saudi help to facilitate pilgrims, says foreign minister Hajj flights operation started from Pakistan last week.
- Around 200,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj this year.
