ISLAMABAD: The total number of Pakistani pilgrims to arrive in Madinah since the pre-Hajj flight operation began last week is expected to reach 5,611 by tonight, a religious affairs ministry official said on Monday, praising Saudi Arabia’s government for extending cooperation for pilgrims.
Pakistan launched its pre-Hajj flight operation on Saturday, with the first flight under Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative departing from Lahore. The initiative — which enables pilgrims to complete immigration formalities before departure — has been extended to Lahore for the first time this year, in addition to Islamabad and Karachi.
Muhammad Umar Butt, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) told Arab News that 23 flights carrying Pakistani pilgrims have departed from various cities across the country for Madinah since Saturday. MoRA said 1,357 Pakistani pilgrims had already reached Madinah by Sunday afternoon.
“By tonight, midnight, the total number of Pakistani pilgrims to arrive in Madinah are expected to reach 5,611, ” Butt said.
“I would like to commend the Saudi administration for the provision of all facilities in Madinah smoothly and quickly,” he added.
He praised Saudi authorities for issuing Pakistani pilgrims Nusuk card, which is required by pilgrims to prove their identity during Hajj, immediately.
He said Pakistani authorities are sharing passenger data with the Saudi authorities in advance to streamline the Hajj flight process.
As per the official, six Hajj flights are expected to depart from Islamabad and Karachi each today while our flights are expected to depart from Lahore, three from Multan and Sialkot, and one from Faisalabad.
He said Saudi officials have also developed Urdu-language awareness materials to guide Pakistani pilgrims, while MoRA is reinforcing these efforts through its own training and digital outreach programs.
Butt said that before departure, pilgrims undergo an extensive orientation at Hajj camps across the country. These orientations help familiarize pilgrims with Saudi regulations and rituals, ensuring a smoother experience upon arrival.
Pakistan is expected to send a total of 179,210 pilgrims this year, with 119,210 traveling under the government scheme and around 60,000 through private operators.
