First batch of 633 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to reach Jeddah today, ministry says
ISLAMABAD: The first batch of 633 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Wednesday, via two separate flights from Islamabad under the Road to Makkah Initiative, the Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs said.
This year's annual pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, with nearly 89,000 Pakistanis expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme and 23,620 Pakistanis through private tour operators.
Pakistan launched its Hajj flight operation on Apr. 29 which will continue till May 31. Pilgrims continued to leave for Madinah during the first 15 days of the operation until May 13 and now, they will land in Jeddah and travel directly to Makkah.
'Under this phase, the first PIA flight, PK-741, carrying 305 guests of Allah Almighty (intending pilgrims), is scheduled to land at King Abdulaziz International Airport at 10:10am while the second flight, PK-759, carrying 328 pilgrims, will arrive at 6:55pm,' the ministry quoted Pakistan's Director-General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro as saying.
The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to streamline immigration processes by enabling pilgrims to complete official travel formalities at their departure airports. Initially tested in Islamabad in 2019, the program was later expanded to Karachi, benefitting tens of thousands of Pakistani travelers. This saves pilgrims several hours upon arrival in the Kingdom, as they can simply enter the country without having to go through immigration again.
Around 29,000 Pakistani pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia. Of them, 14,000 are currently in the holy city of Makkah and 15,000 in Madinah. For the first time, Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will have access to fully air-conditioned camps in Mina and will be accommodated in top-of-the-line hotels and buildings in the Azizia and Batha Quraish neighborhoods, according to the religious affairs ministry.
They will receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and relevant information. A mobile app will provide access to Hajj group information, training schedules, flight details, accommodation details, and live maps and locations during the pilgrimage.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also launched mobile apps like Nusuk, Hajj Navigator, Tawakkalna and Asefny to streamline Hajj services, with the aim to make the pilgrimage experience smoother by offering real-time guidance and ensuring pilgrim safety.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Korean Palace Restaurant in Riyadh
Tucked away on Al-Takhassusi Street, Korean Palace is one of Riyadh's oldest spots for Korean cuisine, and a nostalgic throwback for those who value flavor over flash. It's visibly dated, with worn interiors and a lingering scent that suggests it could benefit from a deep renovation. Still, what it lacks in ambiance, it more than makes up for in taste. We started with complimentary Korean sides, pickled radish, kimchi, and marinated greens, a generous and flavorful tradition that sets the tone. Then came a table full of classics, each arriving surprisingly fast. The highlight of the evening? The transparent glass noodles, chewy, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with umami. This was hands down the best dish, and one I'd return for. The cheese tteokbokki came bubbling in a hot stone bowl, spicy and rich, with gooey cheese melting into the sweet chili sauce. We also ordered the bibimbap, served hot with colorful vegetables and beef, and the beef sizzling plate, which was tender and satisfying. The dumplings, delicately wrapped in cabbage leaves, were comforting but mild. The only miss was the tofu soup, which fell flat in flavor and didn't deliver the depth I expected. Despite the outdated setting, the overall food quality was impressive. It's a place that reminds you why people still queue up for spots like this, for food that feels home-cooked, unapologetically traditional, and generously portioned. Don't come expecting a trendy hangout. Come for hearty Korean food that gets the job done.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia's sacred heritage
JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith. In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means 'Mountain of Light.' At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel. The mountain's distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history. Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: 'There's something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it's not just a climb, but it's a spiritual awakening.' To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider's web and a dove's nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims. Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da'wah and the great spiritual responsibility. • Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. • Programs like 'Hala,' launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay'ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad. Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma'la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet's beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence. 'Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,' Khan added. Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: 'We're planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city's rich Islamic heritage. It's a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.' Further west of the Prophet's Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam's critical battles. Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet's uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss. Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi' Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet's family members and companions. Located near the Prophet's Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam's formative years. Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet's leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone. Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: 'I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur'anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.' Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like 'Hala,' launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context. Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: 'Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.'
Saudi Gazette
2 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj Security Forces complete preparations to receive pilgrims in Madinah
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH — The Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security in Madinah have completed preparations to receive pilgrims arriving from Makkah after having completed their Hajj rituals. They received the first group of pilgrims in Madinah on Sunday night. Their elaborate arrangements come as part of a comprehensive organizational security plan aimed at ensuring their safe and smooth arrival and movement. The forces emphasized that the field plan focuses on regulating pilgrim movement and facilitating entry and exit from Madinah, ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing congestion. Preparations also include enhancing security presence on all major routes, providing assistance and guidance to pilgrims, and maintaining the readiness of emergency teams to respond to health cases and exceptional situations. These efforts reflect the continued support provided by the leadership to serve pilgrims and ensure the highest levels of security and safety for them during their journey between the holy sites and Madinah. Meanwhile, a total of 2,443 pilgrims from over 100 countries, who came to perform Hajj under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, will set out for Madinah visit. Following the stoning rituals, these pilgrims departed Mina on Sunday and headed to the Grand Mosque to perform the Farewell Tawaf. After having completed their Hajj rituals, they will depart for Madinah. During their stay there, they will pray at the Prophet's Mosque, visit Quba Mosque, and explore significant historical landmarks. They expressed gratitude for the exceptional services provided, and that facilitated smooth movement between the holy sites.
