Karachi: The pre-Hajj flights operation transporting Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia commenced on Saturday, marking the beginning of a significant logistical undertaking in the lead-up to Hajj. The inaugural flight departed from Karachi, carrying 155 pilgrims who were greeted with a warm welcome upon their arrival in Madinah.

According to Radio Pakistan, the arriving pilgrims were met with flowers and gifts by Pakistani Hajj officials and were quickly accommodated in quality residences in the Markaziyah area. Special arrangements, including the issuance of Nusuk cards, were in place to ensure the pilgrims’ comfort and facilitate their religious activities. Pilgrims expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission, applauding the well-organized facilities provided from their departure in Pakistan to their stay in Madinah.

In addition to the Karachi departure, another Hajj flight carrying 345 pilgrims left from Lahore on the same day. At Lahore airport, during the ceremony for the ‘Road to Makkah’ project, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, stated that more than 95,000 Pakistani pilgrims would benefit from the project this year. He highlighted the provision of complimentary Saudi SIM cards for all pilgrims to enable them to remain connected with their families in Pakistan. Furthermore, he mentioned that 24,000 pilgrims would have access to high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, enhancing their travel experience.