Pakistan's Pre-Hajj Flight Operations Launch with Over 1,350 Pilgrims in Madinah
The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has announced the successful commencement of pre-Hajj flight operations, with a total of 1,357 pilgrims having arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as of Sunday. This marks the beginning of a significant logistical effort to transport thousands of Pakistani faithful for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage in 2026.
Inaugural Flight and Subsequent Departures
The inaugural Hajj flight, operated by AirSial as PF-7700, departed from Karachi to Madinah on Saturday, carrying 160 pilgrims. This was followed by additional flights from other major cities, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Islamabad, which took off late Saturday and into Sunday morning. These operations are part of a coordinated plan to facilitate the journey of Pakistani pilgrims under the government scheme.
Official Welcome and Accommodation Arrangements
Upon arrival at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, the pilgrims were warmly received by key Pakistani officials. Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, Consul General, and Abdul Wahab Soomro, Director-General Hajj, were present to greet them. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) stated that all arriving pilgrims have been transported to the Markaziyah area of Madinah, which is located immediately surrounding Masjid Al-Nabawi.
To ensure a smooth experience, rooms have been pre-allocated for pilgrims, allowing for quick check-ins without significant delays. Additionally, Nusuk cards, essential for accessing religious sites and performing rituals, were issued to pilgrims upon their arrival at their accommodations. The Pakistan Hajj mission has secured housing for all 119,210 pilgrims traveling under this year's government scheme, demonstrating thorough preparation.
Future Flights and Pilgrim Quota
The religious affairs ministry has confirmed that further flights carrying Pakistani pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in the coming days. The pre-Hajj operation is expected to continue until the main Hajj period begins. Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. Of this total, approximately 118,000 seats have been allocated to the government scheme, with the remainder reserved for private tour operators.
Guidance for Pilgrims
In a statement, the ministry urged pilgrims to utilize the "Pak Hajj 2026" mobile app to access crucial information regarding their flights, departure timings, and airports. This digital tool is designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing real-time updates and support. The successful arrival of the initial group of pilgrims underscores Pakistan's commitment to ensuring a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling Hajj journey for its citizens.
