Over 15,000 Pakistani pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia in 7 days as pre-Hajj flights continue

Islamabad (Web Desk): The pre-Hajj flight operation from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia is moving ahead smoothly, with a steady stream of pilgrims departing for the annual pilgrimage.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that in the first seven days alone, more than 15,000 intending pilgrims had already arrived in Madinah through 59 flights.

The operation continues at pace, as another 2,200 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to land in Madinah on Saturday via eight additional flights, underscoring the ongoing flow of departures under the Hajj arrangements.

The spokesperson added that Pakistan’s arrangements for Hajj are moving forward steadily, with a total of 264 personnel having arrived in Saudi Arabia to facilitate pilgrims. The contingent includes 80 officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 50 members of the Hajj Medical Mission, and 134 additional civil employees serving as Khadim-ul-Hujjaj.

These personnel are working around the clock across multiple departments to ensure smooth operations. Their responsibilities span control offices, airport reception, accommodation and food services, transportation, arrangements for visits to Riaz ul Jannah, coordination for departures to Makkah, recovery of lost belongings, as well as managing call centers and complaint cells.

According to the spokesperson, a total of 4,611 pilgrims have so far been facilitated with visits to Riaz ul Jannah.

The lost-and-found department has also demonstrated notable efficiency, successfully locating one missing pilgrim, 14 wheelchairs, and 673 bags, all of which have been returned to their respective owners.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission has provided outpatient care to 288 pilgrims, dental services to five individuals, and ECG facilities to four others.

The first batches of pilgrims who arrived in Madinah are scheduled to depart for Makkah on Sunday.