ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday launched its pre-Hajj operation as the first flight, PF-7700, departed from Karachi to Madinah carrying 160 pilgrims, the Sindh Directorate of Hajj said.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Of these, around 118,000 seats have been allocated to the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators.
Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and other federal and provincial officials saw off the passengers of the inaugural Hajj flight by AirSial, which departed from Karachi early Saturday morning.
“A total of 160 Hajj pilgrims were sent off with prayers and best wishes,” the Sindh Directorate of Hajj said in a statement.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry this week said that a total of 660 pilgrims will arrive in Madinah on Apr. 18 via three flights, marking the beginning of the country’s pre-Hajj flight operations.
Zahid Sohail, the Madinah Director for Pakistan’s Hajj operation, said all arrangements were “properly planned.”
Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operation is expected to continue till May 21.
The ministry has urged pilgrims to use the “Pak Hajj 2026” mobile app to access information about their flights, departure timings and airports.
