ISLAMABAD: A spokesperson for the Pakistani Hajj Mission said on Wednesday 15,819 pilgrims from the South Asian nation had reached the holy city of Madinah since Hajj flight operations were launched on May 9 ahead of the annual pilgrimage next month.
This year, around 179,210 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under both the government and private schemes, for which a month-long flight operation started last week.
As part of the Hajj flight operation, five airlines – Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Airblue, Serene Air, and Air Sial – will operate 259 sorties to transport intending pilgrims from eight major cities of Pakistan, namely Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Quetta, Sialkot, and Sukkur, to Jeddah and Madinah under the government scheme.
“Today, 2,736 more pilgrims will reach Madinah through 12 Hajj flights,” the spokesperson for the Pakistani Hajj Mission said.
He said a control room in both Makkah and Madinah was working 24 hours for the convenience and guidance of pilgrims and 119 assistants and 66 doctors and medical staff were providing services as part of the Hajj Affairs Office.
“This year, all Pakistani Hajj pilgrims are being provided accommodation closest to the Prophet’s Mosque,” the official said. “Seven catering companies continue to provide three meals to pilgrims in Madinah.”
From Friday, Pakistani pilgrims who have completed an eight-day stay in Madinah will start departing for Makkah, the religious affairs ministry said.