Pakistan is set to begin its Hajj 2026 operations on April 18, with the first flight of pilgrims scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia.
According to officials, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised all arrangements to facilitate pilgrims, including accommodation, food, and transportation in Saudi Arabia.
660 pilgrims will travel on three separate flights
On the opening day of the operation, 660 pilgrims will travel on three separate flights. Authorities have confirmed that accommodation has already been allocated in advance on a “first-come, first-served” basis to ensure a smooth arrival process.
Administrative teams have already been mobilised ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival. An advance team of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj has reached Madinah to finalise reception arrangements.
An important meeting was held at the Directorate of Hajj in Madinah, attended by coordinators from Makkah and Madinah, along with officials from the Hajj Medical Mission. The meeting reviewed arrangements related to pilgrims’ health, accommodation, and food. The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that all Hajj operations will be monitored through a digital system to ensure that any complaints are addressed promptly.
Arrangements have also been made to provide mobile SIM cards and ‘Nasik cards’ to pilgrims upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia. The first Hajj flight will depart from Islamabad International Airport on Sunday, April 19. A special ceremony will be held at the airport to bid farewell to the first group of pilgrims.
Federal Minister, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador, will see off pilgrims
On this occasion, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs will see off the pilgrims.
This year, 29,900 pilgrims will benefit from the “double immigration” facility under the ‘Route to Makkah’ initiative, allowing completion of both Pakistani and Saudi immigration procedures before departure. A total of 129 flights will operate from Islamabad under this arrangement.
Meanwhile, an important meeting was held at the Directorate of Hajj in Madinah, where officials conducted a detailed review of arrangements for the arrival of Pakistani pilgrims starting April 18.
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