By Khuram Shahzad MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH, May 14 (APP):The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Thursday announced that the 2026 Hajj operation was proceeding successfully, with 78,929 Pakistani pilgrims under the Government Scheme already arriving in the Holy Land. This figure represents 66 percent of the total government quota, while the departure of the remaining 39,905 pilgrims was currently underway according to the established schedule. According to a ministry spokesperson, the 34-day …
Hajj 2026: 66% of Government Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia; Final Flight Operation Phase Begins
By Khuram Shahzad
MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH, May 14 (APP):The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Thursday announced that the 2026 Hajj operation was proceeding successfully, with 78,929 Pakistani pilgrims under the Government Scheme already arriving in the Holy Land.
This figure represents 66 percent of the total government quota, while the departure of the remaining 39,905 pilgrims was currently underway according to the established schedule. According to a ministry spokesperson, the 34-day flight operation has entered its final phase, with only eight days remaining. The final Hajj flight from Pakistan is scheduled to depart on May 21, marking the conclusion of the pre-Hajj transport operation.
According to the latest data, 313 Hajj flights have been operated so far out of a total 468 scheduled flights, comprising 282 flights to Jeddah and 186 to Madinah Munawwarah. Currently, 73,759 Pakistani pilgrims were residing in Makkah, including 34,200 who have transitioned there after completing their stay and visitations in Madinah. In Madinah, 32,626 pilgrims have already been facilitated for the visitation (Ziarat) of Riaz-ul-Jannah.
To ensure the well-being of the pilgrims, 1,402 Hajj assistants (Moavineen) are deployed in the field, providing round-the-clock support. This year’s operation is being supported by PIA, Airblue, Air Sial, and Saudi Airlines.
