ISLAMABAD: Pakistan launched the post-Hajj flight operation on Thursday, bringing back the first batch of 150 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with the religious affairs ministry saying that nearly 1,200 devotees would return via seven special flights to four different cities by the end of the day.
Transporting large numbers of pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season presents a significant logistical challenge, prompting the government to launch special flights, ensuring safe and timely travel for pilgrims.
The first post-Hajj flight operated between Jeddah and Multan, with six additional flights scheduled to return pilgrims to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad later in the day.
The religious affairs ministry announced that 720 Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia will also travel to Madinah today. These pilgrims arrived in the kingdom shortly before Hajj began and were taken directly to Makkah, not having enough time to visit the Prophet’s Mosque before.
“The Hajj flight operation from Jeddah for the return of pilgrims will continue until July 9,” the ministry said in a statement. “The last Hajj flight from Madinah will arrive back in the homeland on July 21. The return of 70,000 government Hajj pilgrims will also be completed on July 21.”
In a separate statement, the ministry also announced the arrangements for distributing Zamzam water among pilgrims availing the government scheme.
“The ministry has made all airlines responsible through an agreement to facilitate pilgrims at designated points to collect Zamzam water,” it said.
The statement urged the pilgrims to collect the water from relevant airports and book it with their luggage.
Pilgrims often bring Zamzam water back from Hajj because it is considered sacred within Islam. The water comes from the Zamzam well located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
It is also believed to have unique properties and blessings, ensuring spiritual benefits and healing.
Pakistan launches post-Hajj flight operation, plans to bring back 1,200 pilgrims today
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Pakistan launches post-Hajj flight operation, plans to bring back 1,200 pilgrims today
- Religious affairs ministry asks pilgrims to get Zamzam water from designated spots at relevant airports
- The flight operation will continue until July 21 to bring back 70,000 pilgrims on government Hajj scheme
Islamic military coalition delegation in Pakistan to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation
- Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition is a 43-member alliance formed to consolidate Muslim countries’ efforts in countering “terrorism”
- IMCTC’s 17-member delegation will inaugurate a special training program aimed at countering “terrorism” during week-long visit, says state media
ISLAMABAD: A 17-member delegation of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) is undertaking a week-long visit to Pakistan, aimed at strengthening joint efforts and cooperation against “terrorism,” Pakistani state media reported on Monday.
The IMCTC is a 43-member military alliance that was formed on Saudi Arabia’s initiative in December 2015 to consolidate Muslim countries’ efforts in countering “terrorism.” The alliance features Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Palestine, UAE, Bangladesh and other Muslim nations.
“The purpose of the visit is to strengthen joint efforts and cooperation in the fight against terrorism,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. “The visit of the delegation symbolizes a strong alliance between the Islamic world in the fight against terrorism.”
The IMCTC delegation will be led by its Secretary General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Radio Pakistan said. It will also inaugurate a special training program aimed at countering “terrorism” during its visit, the state broadcaster said.
Pakistan’s former army chief Gen. (retd) Raheel Shareef was appointed as the IMCTC commander-in-chief in 2017.
Pakistan enjoys cordial ties with most Muslim countries around the world, particularly Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In September 2025, Pakistan signed a landmark defense pact with Saudi Arabia according to which an act of aggression against one country will be treated as an act of aggression against both.
