1st post-Hajj flight carrying 340 pilgrims arrives
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) commenced post-Hajj operations, with the flight from Saudi Arabia reaching Pakistan on Wednesday.
The first post-Hajj flight, PK-732, carrying 340 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, arrived at Islamabad International Airport on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the repatriation process for Pakistani pilgrims.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry received the pilgrims at the airport.
During the month-long operation, thousands of pilgrims are expected to come back from Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan airspace operating smoothly
Civil aviation officials say ILS limited to Lahore; no plans for entire country. PHOTO: FILE Despite rising tensions in the region, Pakistan's airspace remains fully operational and continues to be effectively used by international airlines, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority. In a statement released on Thursday, the authority confirmed that international flights are facing no obstacles while transiting through Pakistani airspace. "There are no disruptions in air traffic flow. All international and domestic flights are being managed smoothly and safely," the statement said. "The additional air traffic due to rerouting from nearby regions is being handled in a professional and routine manner," it added.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistanis advised to reconsider Iran visit
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has advised Pakistanis to reconsider their visit to Iran with estimated 5,000 Zaireen stuck in the Iran in wake of brutal Israeli strikes on several Iranian cities. With respect to queries about Pakistani Zaireen, a senior official at MoFA said that currently, 45,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis are residing in different cities of Iran. The number of Zaireen travelling to Iran fluctuates, and most do not contact our diplomatic missions. In light of the current security situation in the region, we have advised Zaireen to reconsider travel plans to Iran and Iraq, said the source. Our Embassy in Tehran and consulates remain available to assist and facilitate Pakistani nationals in Iran, said a senior MoFA official. The official statistics show that an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis are reportedly staying in the country without legal documentation. Sources indicate that Pakistan and Iran share a 909-kilometre-long border, which includes three remote entry and exit points located at Taftan, Gabd, and Mand. In response, the Pakistani Embassy in Iran has issued advisories, urging citizens to remain in safe locations and avoid unnecessary travel. A large portion of the Pakistani population in Iran consists of religious pilgrims, who frequently visit holy sites in Mashhad, Qom, and Tehran. In addition to pilgrims, the Pakistani community also includes students, labourers, traders, and professionals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM orders safe return of zaireen from Iran
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday instructed all concerned authorities to extend full support to ensure the safety and secure return of Pakistani pilgrims currently in Iran in the wake of Israel's deadly strikes. In light of PM Shehbaz's directives, a Crisis Management Cell has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts. The Pakistani Embassy in Iran has also been instructed to remain vigilant and provide active assistance to the pilgrims. The PM emphasised that immediate and effective measures must be taken to ensure the safety of all Pakistani nationals in Iran. He further instructed that all available resources be utilised to facilitate their safe and prompt return to Pakistan. He directed that until the regional situation normalises, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Iran will remain on high alert, ensuring continued support and communication with the pilgrims. Earlier, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared the embassy's hotline number: (0098)-2166941388. The Foreign Office (FO) also advised all Zaireen from Pakistan to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq in view of the evolving security situation in the region. Following the PM's directives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated its Crisis Management Unit to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and pilgrims in Iran. "In order to ensure safety & security of our nationals/Zaireens in Iran, we have activated a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said Dar on X.
