By Raziq Ali Shah
MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH, May 30 (APP): The month-long pre-Hajj flight operation, which began on April 29, will conclude on Saturday (May 31) with the departure of last flight ER-801 SereneAir, carrying 287 intending pilgrims from Lahore adding that the flight is scheduled to leave for the holy land at 9:35 p.m.
Talking to APP here on Friday, Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Syed Ata Ur Rehman said that a total of 87,058 pilgrims have landed in Saudi Arabia so far under the Government Hajj Scheme, while an additional 21,984 pilgrims have traveled under the Private Hajj Scheme.
He said that five flights are scheduled for Saturday from Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore to airlift the remaining 1,324 pilgrims under the Government Hajj Scheme.
Dr. Ata Ur Rehman said that this year, 115,391 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj – 88,380 under the Government Hajj Scheme and 27,011 through Private Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs).
He said successful completion of the pre-Hajj flight operations is a testament to the meticulous planning and coordination of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and other stakeholders.
He praised the tireless efforts of the ministry’s staff, who worked diligently to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.
The Secretary highlighted several new initiatives introduced by the ministry to improve pilgrims’ experience, including
discounted long and short Hajj packages. In Mina, traditional mattresses have been replaced with sofa-cum-beds, upgraded tents now feature gypsum board walls, and air conditioners have been installed alongside existing air coolers. Elevated luggage storage racks have also been introduced to enhance space and comfort, he added.
He said each Maktab (camp) is equipped with a dedicated kitchen, and pilgrims in Mina will receive five meals per day—three freshly prepared and two pre-packaged.
He said the Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHMM), under the supervision of the Director General (Hajj) and departmental coordinators, is overseeing the overall Hajj operation in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Ata expressed his gratitude to the pilgrims, the airlines, and the ministry’s staff for their cooperation and dedication in making the pre-Hajj operation a success. He emphasized the spiritual significance of Hajj as a sacred duty for Muslims worldwide and pledged continued efforts to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.
The flights were operated by various airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, SereneAir, and AirSial, to transport pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.
Dr Ata advised Pakistani pilgrims to comply fully with Saudi regulations, particularly during the Hajj days in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Jamarah.
Regarding advisory ahead of Hajj starting from 8th Zilhajj, Dr Ata Ur Rehman emphasized the importance of following the instructions of Saudi authorities without argument. “At the holy sites, including Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Jamarah, all arrangements during the Hajj days are managed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and its approved Makatib,” he said.
He warned that any violation of Saudi laws or engagement in prohibited activities could earn bad name to the country and stressed that each individual would be responsible for their own actions.