The commencement of the Hajj season heralds the departure of the first flight from Karachi, embarking on a journey of spiritual significance for pilgrims.
At 2 AM on Thursday, a private airline facilitated the departure of 150 Hajj pilgrims to Madinah, ensuring a seamless start to their sacred expedition.
The Makkah Route Initiative, lauded since its inception in 2019, expedites immigration procedures at the pilgrims' countries of departure, minimizing waiting times and enhancing efficiency.
Today, a total of 11 flights are scheduled to transport 2,160 Pakistani pilgrims to Madinah from five major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and Peshawar.
Karachi's inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative is expected to accommodate a significant influx of devotees from Pakistan and beyond, underscoring its pivotal role as the largest city in the country.
Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, will bid farewell to the departing Pakistani Hajj pilgrims, visiting both Islamabad and Karachi airports.
Upon their arrival in Madinah, the pilgrims will receive a warm reception from authorities representing the Pakistan Consulate General and the Hajj Mission of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The Hajj flight operations involve five airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Airblue, Serene Air, and Air Sial. Approximately 68,000 intending pilgrims will be transported from eight major cities in Pakistan to Jeddah and Madinah through 259 sorties.
The flight schedule includes the departure of the first flight, PF754 (AirSial), from Karachi at 01:45 AM, carrying around 150 intending Hajj pilgrims. The final Hajj flight, SV3727 (Saudi Airlines), is scheduled to depart on June 10 from Islamabad to Jeddah, accommodating 380 passengers onboard.
This year, a total of 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj under both government and private schemes, affirming the enduring significance of this sacred pilgrimage.