Over 11,410 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: A total of 11,418 Pakistani pilgrims have returned in the post-Hajj flight operation so far, the country's religion ministry said on Sunday.
Pakistan began its post-Hajj flight operation with the arrival of PIA flight PK-732 in Islamabad on June 11, carrying 307 pilgrims. The country is expected to conclude the operation on July 10, with the last flight carrying Hajj pilgrims to land in Islamabad.
This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes.
'As of Saturday, June 14, a total of 11,418 pilgrims have returned home,' a spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in a statement. 'On Sunday, June 15, another 4,995 pilgrims will arrive in the country through 20 flights.'
The spokesperson said six flights carrying Hajj pilgrims will each land in both Islamabad and Lahore, while four will arrive in Karachi, three in Multan and one in Quetta on Sunday.
Of the 20 flights, eight will be operated by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines, five by Saudia, four by Airblue, two by AirSial and one by Serene Air.
'Despite global air traffic disruptions, Pakistan's post-Hajj flight operation is successfully going on,' the ministry said, referring to the recent diversion of flights due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
The spokesperson advised Pakistani pilgrims to ensure their return journey remained a 'smooth' one by maintaining discipline.
'Pilgrims should ensure their baggage weight complies with the limit stated on their air tickets,' he said, advising pilgrims to reach their respective airports in Saudi Arabia six to eight hours before departure.
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Over 11,410 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: A total of 11,418 Pakistani pilgrims have returned in the post-Hajj flight operation so far, the country's religion ministry said on Sunday. Pakistan began its post-Hajj flight operation with the arrival of PIA flight PK-732 in Islamabad on June 11, carrying 307 pilgrims. The country is expected to conclude the operation on July 10, with the last flight carrying Hajj pilgrims to land in Islamabad. This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes. 'As of Saturday, June 14, a total of 11,418 pilgrims have returned home,' a spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in a statement. 'On Sunday, June 15, another 4,995 pilgrims will arrive in the country through 20 flights.' The spokesperson said six flights carrying Hajj pilgrims will each land in both Islamabad and Lahore, while four will arrive in Karachi, three in Multan and one in Quetta on Sunday. Of the 20 flights, eight will be operated by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines, five by Saudia, four by Airblue, two by AirSial and one by Serene Air. 'Despite global air traffic disruptions, Pakistan's post-Hajj flight operation is successfully going on,' the ministry said, referring to the recent diversion of flights due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The spokesperson advised Pakistani pilgrims to ensure their return journey remained a 'smooth' one by maintaining discipline. 'Pilgrims should ensure their baggage weight complies with the limit stated on their air tickets,' he said, advising pilgrims to reach their respective airports in Saudi Arabia six to eight hours before departure.
