Post-Hajj flights bring back over 11,000 Pakistani pilgrims home
The post-Hajj flight operation continues
successfully as more than 11,000 Pakistani pilgrims have returned home from
Saudi Arabia, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
As of Sunday, June 15, a total of 11,418
pilgrims have arrived back in Pakistan since the operation began on June 11.
The first flight, PIA PK-732, landed in Islamabad with 307 pilgrims. The flight
operation is expected to conclude on July 10, with the final flight arriving in
Islamabad.
This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June
9, drawing millions of pilgrims, including over 115,000 Pakistanis, who
participated under both government and private schemes.
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More PIA
to bring back Hajj pilgrims in 171 flights
On Sunday, June 15, an additional 4,995
pilgrims are scheduled to return on 20 flights. These flights will be
distributed across various cities: six flights will land in Islamabad and
Lahore, four in Karachi, three in Multan, and one in Quetta. The airlines
operating these flights include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudia,
Airblue, AirSial, and Serene Air.
Despite global air traffic disruptions caused
by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the Ministry confirmed that Pakistan’s
post-Hajj flight operation is running smoothly.
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More PIA
to run Hajj operation from April 29 to June 1
A spokesperson for the Ministry urged
returning pilgrims to maintain discipline and ensure their baggage complies
with airline weight restrictions. Pilgrims are also advised to arrive at their
departure airport in Saudi Arabia six to eight hours before their flight’s
scheduled departure.
Source: Aaj News