ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operations are in “full swing” as over 46,000 pilgrims from the country have reached Saudi Arabia, the religious affairs ministry said on Wednesday.
Pakistan kicked off its pre-Hajj flight operations on Apr. 18, sending a total of number of 39,959 pilgrims under the government scheme while 6,673 arrived in the Kingdom through private tour operators.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said that out of the 39,959 pilgrims, 13,280 were in Madinah while 26,679 were in Makkah.
“Over the next 15 days, an additional 78,875 pilgrims will be transported to Saudi Arabia,” the ministry said in a statement.
MoRA said 949 Pakistani Hajj support staff and medical personnel have also arrived in the Kingdom to perform duties across various departments. It added that the Pakistan Hajj Mission has established its main control office in Makkah.
The ministry said that departments established by the Hajj mission include administration, accounts, airport reception, accommodation, food services, transport, Haram guides, call center, complaints cell, lost and found, wheelchair desk and media cell.
“To provide health care services, 22 dispensaries have been set up in Makkah,” the ministry said.
Pakistan is expected to send over 179,000 pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
