The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the post-Hajj flight operation for the return of Pakistani pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will commence on May 31, with hundreds of thousands of worshippers expected to arrive home over the coming weeks.
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According to the ministry, the first return flight carrying Pakistani pilgrims will depart from Jeddah on the night of May 31 and land in Sialkot. A total of 391 pilgrims are expected to return on the inaugural flight, marking the beginning of the nationwide repatriation operation.
Officials stated that most of the flights scheduled under the operation will arrive in Pakistan on June 1, according to local time. On the first full day of the operation, 22 flights are expected to bring back 5,237 pilgrims to various cities across the country.
The ministry detailed that Islamabad will receive five flights carrying returning pilgrims on June 1. Karachi and Lahore are scheduled to receive four flights each, while three flights each will arrive in Multan and Sialkot. Faisalabad will receive two flights, and one flight is scheduled to land in Quetta.
Authorities have made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth return of pilgrims after the completion of Hajj rituals. Relevant departments, airports, and airline operators have been directed to facilitate arrivals and provide necessary support services for returning passengers.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs further stated that flights from Madinah will begin operating on June 3, expanding the scope of the repatriation process. The final flight of the post-Hajj operation is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on June 30, bringing the month-long operation to a close.
Under the government Hajj scheme, approximately 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will be transported back to the country through 471 flights. Officials said the operation has been planned to ensure efficient transportation while minimizing inconvenience for pilgrims returning from the holy cities.
The return phase follows the successful completion of Hajj by millions of Muslims from around the world. Pakistani authorities have expressed satisfaction with arrangements made for pilgrims and pledged continued assistance throughout the repatriation process.
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The ministry has advised pilgrims and their families to stay informed through official channels regarding flight schedules and arrival details.