Operation for 2025 commences: First Hajj flight departs from Islamabad
KARACHI: Pakistan's Hajj operation for 2025 officially commenced as the first flight carrying pilgrims departed from Islamabad International Airport to Madinah early Tuesday morning.
The PIA Flight PK-713 took off at 4:45 AM with 442 pilgrims on board, marking the beginning of this year's Hajj pilgrimage operations.
The pilgrims were seen off by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousuf, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki, and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, who presented special gifts to the departing pilgrims.
Later, the first Hajj flight from Quetta, PK-7201 also departed at 10:00 AM carrying 170 pilgrims. Meanwhile, Lahore's first Hajj flight, PK-747, took off at 10:00 PM with 323 passengers bound for Madinah.
PIA spokesman said that PIA would transport approximately 35,200 government-quota pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through more than 117 special flights. In the initial phase, special flights will carry pilgrims from Pakistan to Madinah, while in the second phase flights will be directed to Jeddah.
'The national carrier will operate direct Hajj flights from six major Pakistani cities: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Quetta,' PIA spokesman said.
At Islamabad and Karachi airports, 'Road to Makkah' facilities have been established in collaboration with the Saudi government, allowing pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration procedures before leaving Pakistan.
PIA's pre-Hajj operation will continue until May 31, while the post-Hajj operation will begin on June 10 and conclude on July 10, 2025.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
First post-Hajj PIA flight departs Jeddah with 307 Pakistani pilgrims
Listen to article Pakistan's post-Hajj flight operation is set to begin Tuesday evening with the departure of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-732 from Jeddah, carrying 307 pilgrims. The flight will leave King Abdulaziz International Airport at 8:50 PM local time and is expected to land at Islamabad International Airport at 3:50 AM on Wednesday, according to Dr Syed Ata Ur Rehman, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Dr Ata confirmed that the first return flight from Madinah, PK-7030, is scheduled for June 12. It will depart for Lahore at 3:30 PM and arrive at 10:30 PM with approximately 307 pilgrims on board. The post-Hajj operation will continue until July 10, concluding with flight PK-7094, which will bring around 437 pilgrims from Madinah to Islamabad at 12:30 PM. A total of more than 88,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government scheme will be brought back to Pakistan through 362 flights. Dr Ata added that over 115,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj this year under both government and private arrangements. The Pakistan Hajj Mission has made detailed logistical preparations to ensure the smooth and dignified return of all pilgrims to the country.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistani pilgrims laud Saudi Arabia for ‘impressive' Hajj arrangements
Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the annual pilgrimage. Photo Courtesy: Harmain Listen to article Pakistani pilgrims on Saturday lauded the Saudi government for its 'impressive' arrangements during this year's Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said, as Muslims across Pakistan and the world celebrated Eid al-Adha. Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year under government and private schemes to perform the annual pilgrimage. 'I had a very good Hajj experience,' said Nadia Sarfaraz, a pilgrim from Karachi. 'Everything went smoothly and we have no complaints against anyone. The Saudi government is providing support here and our own government is helping a lot too.' To Arafat! Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik! — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 5, 2025 Rabia Babar, a pilgrim from Islamabad, praised the facilitation of pilgrims, particularly women, highlighting the separate lifts and fully carpeted areas in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night. This year's Hajj saw heightened security and measures to combat illicit pilgrims, along with various heat mitigation efforts that resulted in smaller crowds at the holy sites in Makkah and surrounding areas. 'There were coolers and drinking water available everywhere,' Babar said. 'They had large refrigerators and provided water bottles and even shower facilities.' Faraz Latif, a pilgrim from Quetta, commended both the Pakistani and Saudi governments for the arrangements, urging fellow pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and embrace patience during and beyond Hajj. His Highness The Emir of Madinah performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Masjid Al Nabawi. — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 6, 2025 'It will help you not just during Hajj but throughout your life,' he said. The first Pakistani flight carrying Hajj pilgrims back home is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on June 11.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
PM, Field Marshal perform Umrah
JEDDAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have performed Umrah along with members of the Pakistani delegation during their ongoing official visit to Saudi Arabia. During the Umrah pilgrimage, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and for the oppressed people of Gaza. Upon arrival in Jeddah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by Prince Saud bin Abdullah Al Jiluwi, Governor of Jeddah; Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan; Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and other diplomatic officials. The Prime Minister's visit is scheduled for June 5 and 6, and he is spending Eid-ul-Azha in Saudi Arabia. A special meeting will be held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the meeting, both leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also thank the Saudi leadership for their constructive role in easing the recent Pakistan-India tensions.
