The annual pilgrimage of Hajj has concluded, with pilgrims returning home to Pakistan amid warm receptions at airports across the country.
Today marks the beginning of a large-scale operation to ensure the safe return of over 2,500 pilgrims on the first day. Flights will be arriving at major airports, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and Sialkot.
The first Hajj flight of Lahore landed at the airport this morning, marking the beginning of the post-Hajj operations.
A Saudi Air flight brought 354 official pilgrims to Lahore at 9am, followed by another flight carrying 190 government quota pilgrims scheduled to arrive at 2:30pm.
Later in the evening, a third flight with 120 pilgrims is expected to land in Lahore at 8pm, completing the day's arrivals.
In Multan, the first Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight touched down at Multan International Airport, bringing 150 pilgrims home. Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs were present to welcome the pilgrims, accompanied by a large gathering of their relatives and well-wishers.
A second PIA flight with 180 pilgrims is also scheduled to arrive later today as part of the post-Hajj operations in Multan.
Meanwhile, Karachi also witnessed the arrival of the first PIA flight, flight PK-860, carrying 160 pilgrims who returned after performing Hajj.
The airport was abuzz with the arrival of the pilgrims, highlighting the emotional reunions and joyous moments shared by families and friends.
Over a dozen flights operated by private airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), are set to bring pilgrims back to Pakistan today. The first set of post-Hajj flights from PIA, Serene Air, Airblue, and Airsial will bring pilgrims back to various cities across Pakistan.
Also Read: Majority of deceased pilgrims in this year’s Hajj season lacked official permits
Today, 1,200 pilgrims will reach home through seven Hajj flights to four different cities, according to the spokesperson for the Religious Affairs Ministry.
He had earlier said that the first Hajj flight carrying 150 pilgrims from Jeddah will reach Multan at 12:30pm, adding that another will land in Lahore at 2:15pm with 190 pilgrims. Another flight, PA-173, carrying 180 pilgrims will land in Karachi at 2:35pm. The first post-Hajj flight in Islamabad, PA-273, will arrive in the capital with 200 passengers at 3:20pm.
Another Hajj flight carrying 180 passengers will land in Multan today at 3:35pm, while a separate flight carrying 150 passengers will arrive in Islamabad at 6pm.
In Lahore, the second Hajj flight carrying 150 passengers will reach the airport at 7pm, the spokesperson explained.
He further said that the flight operations for the return of Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah will continue till July 9. The last Hajj flight from Madinah will return home on July 21, the spokesman added.
He also said that 720 pilgrims will be sent to Madinah today to visit the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH).
Authorities have made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and efficient process for the returning pilgrims. Special measures have been put in place at all major airports to facilitate their arrival and to handle the influx of passengers efficiently.
This massive repatriation effort highlights the collaboration between the government and private airlines to ensure the safe and timely return of Pakistani pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, officials from several countries have confirmed that most of their pilgrims who passed away during the current Hajj season were individuals who entered Saudi Arabia on tourism or visit visas months before the rituals began.
These individuals remained in Makkah until the Hajj season and performed the pilgrimage without proper authorization, lacking support from any company or entity to provide accommodation, food, or transportation services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad confirmed that most of the died Tunisian pilgrims had arrived in the Kingdom on tourism, visit, or Umrah visas.
