Pakistan's Hajj operation enters final phase as over 103,000 intending pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Makkah Mukarramah (Web Desk): Pakistan’s Hajj air operation from multiple cities across the country to Saudi Arabia has now moved into its final phase, with the vast majority of pilgrims under the government scheme already having reached the holy land.

During the past month, nearly 87% of pilgrims travelled successfully through 388 flights, while the remaining 13% are expected to arrive within the next 96 hours, ahead of the start of Hajj rituals scheduled for the night between the 7th and 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson Umar Butt stated that the movement of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia is continuing at a fast pace.

He confirmed that 103,513 pilgrims under the government scheme have reached the Kingdom so far, while 15,321—equivalent to 13%—are still awaiting arrival. 
In terms of flight operations, 184 flights have landed in Madinah and 229 flights in Jeddah, including both earlier and recent services.

He further added that the majority of the arrived pilgrims, about 95% or 98,823 individuals, are currently residing in Makkah, while around 4,690 are staying in Madinah. He noted that 46,398 pilgrims initially arrived directly in Madinah, of whom 41,708 have now completed their stay there and moved onward to Makkah. Additionally, 57,115 pilgrims reached Makkah directly via Jeddah.

According to official figures from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 96% of the deployed welfare staff—totaling 1,517 members—are already on duty in Saudi Arabia to facilitate pilgrims with guidance, healthcare, and support services.

This includes 921 Hajj assistants, 178 Khuddam and technical personnel, and 418 medical staff working across different locations. The “Haram Guides” stationed around the Grand Mosque have so far assisted 20,698 pilgrims with directions and assistance.

In Madinah, 38,594 Pakistani pilgrims, including 20,438 men and 18,156 women, have been facilitated in visiting and offering prayers at Riaz-ul-Jannah.

Meanwhile, to ensure smooth transportation arrangements, shuttle services between accommodation sites and the Grand Mosque for Umrah and daily prayers have been expanded significantly.

In Makkah, a total of 469 buses are now operating around the clock to serve 98,823 pilgrims, with the highest transport demand recorded in Sectors 1, 7, and 8.