ISLAMABAD: The first convoys of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have started arriving in Makkah from Madinah, marking the next phase of their Hajj journey as thousands prepare to take part in Hajj rituals in and around the holy city, the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said on Sunday.
Around 10,000 Pakistani pilgrims reached Madinah this week as the country’s pre-Hajj flight operations gathered pace, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry.
Pakistan’s Director General for Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and other officials met with Pakistani pilgrims at their residences in Makkah and inquired them about the arrangements.
The Pakistani ministry said its main control office in Makkah has deployed Hajj assistants to facilitate pilgrims with transport, food and other services during their stay.
“All resources are being utilized to provide every possible facility to Pakistani Hajj pilgrims so that they can perform their religious duties in a peaceful environment,” the ministry said, citing officials.
Pakistan launched its pre-Hajj flight operations on April 18. Pilgrims from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Sialkot and Multan and other Pakistani cities have so far departed from the South Asian country for Madinah.
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.
