ISLAMABAD: A total of 8,753 Pakistani pilgrims have so far reached Madinah as the country’s pre-Hajj flight operations gather pace, the religious affairs ministry said on Thursday.
Pakistan launched its pre-Hajj flight operations on Saturday. Pilgrims from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Sialkot, Multan and other cities have so far departed from the South Asian country for Madinah.
Kashif Hussain, Pakistan’s coordinator for Hajj in Madinah, and other officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) received the pilgrims at their accommodations in Madinah after their arrival on Thursday.
“The arrival of Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan in Madinah continues steadily,” MoRA said in a statement. “Under the pre-Hajj flight operation, a total of 8,753 Pakistani pilgrims have so far reached the city.”
The statement said a dinner reception was held in honor of the pilgrims. It added that such activities are part of the government’s efforts to provide better facilities and create a pleasant and comfortable environment for pilgrims.
Pakistan is expected to send 179,210 pilgrims this year for Hajj, with over 119,000 to travel under the government’s scheme.
Islamabad has said the country’s pre-Hajj flight operations are expected to continue uninterrupted till May 21.
