https://arab.news/56f28
- Pakistan kicked off its post-Hajj flight operations last month after pilgrimage ended
- Post-Hajj flight operations to continue till June 30, says Pakistan’s religion ministry
ISLAMABAD: At least 34,000 Pakistani pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia while more than 84,000 are still in the Kingdom, the religious affairs ministry said on Sunday, as Islamabad continues to repatriate pilgrims.
Pakistan kicked off its post-Hajj flight operation last month after the annual Islamic pilgrimage ended. Post-Hajj flight operations involve Pakistan bringing back thousands of pilgrims from the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Madinah to destinations across Pakistan.
“Thirty-four thousand Pakistani pilgrims have returned home after completing Hajj,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said in a statement.
It added that 84,791 Pakistani pilgrims are still in Saudi Arabia as repatriation flights continue.
The ministry said around 250 Hajj support staff (also known as “Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj“) have completed their duties and returned to Pakistan.
To avoid congestion at airports, MoRA said a city check-in facility for baggage boarding has been provided at pilgrims’ accommodation sites. It said baggage check-in is being completed 24 to 48 hours before pilgrims’ departure flights.
“Under the post-Hajj operation, more than 15,000 pilgrims have so far completed visits to Riyaz-ul-Jannah,” the statement said.
Riyaz-ul-Jannah translates to ‘Garden of Paradise’ in Arabic and refers to a small area between the pulpit (minbar) and the grave of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is one of the most popular destinations in Madinah for millions of Muslims who gather for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia every year.
The Pakistani ministry said repatriation flights will continue until June 30.