ISLAMABAD:
The first post-Hajj flight of Pakistani pilgrims arrived at Islamabad International Airport on Saturday, marking the beginning of the return phase of this year’s Hajj operation, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The first return flight, PK-742, landed at Islamabad Airport at 19.15, and brought back 165 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. The arrival of the aircraft officially commenced the post-Hajj repatriation operation at the Islamabad Airport, where arrangements had been made to facilitate the returning pilgrims.
Airport officials, including the airport manager, welcomed the pilgrims on their arrival and greeted them after the completion of their spiritual journey.
The PAA said the arrival of the first flight marks the start of a wider operation that will see thousands of Pakistani pilgrims return home from the kingdom in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the government has implemented arrangements for the repatriation of approximately 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government scheme.
The post-Hajj flight operation for these pilgrims is set to begin from Saudi Arabia on May 31 (today). According to officials, the first return flight carrying 391 pilgrims will depart from Jeddah on the night of May 31 and arrive in Sialkot on the morning of June 1.
A total of 5,237 pilgrims will return to Pakistan on the first day of the operation. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has completed all logistical and operational arrangements for the month-long repatriation process.
Officials said 22 flights will bring pilgrims back to Pakistan on June 1, while 23 flights are scheduled for June 2. On the first day of the operation, five flights will land in Islamabad. Karachi and Lahore will each receive four flights, while Multan and Sialkot will receive three flights each.
Faisalabad will receive two flights and Quetta will receive one flight of returning pilgrims. Pilgrims will be transported back from both Medina and Jeddah and the repatriation exercise will continue throughout June.
Officials said a total of 471 flights will be operated under the government’s Hajj scheme to bring pilgrims home. The operation will involve Pakistani government and private airlines as well as Saudi carriers participating in the Hajj airlift program.
The post-Hajj flight operation is scheduled to end on 30 June when the last flight arrives in Lahore, marking the end of this year’s return phase of the Hajj operation.
