The pre-Hajj airlift from Pakistan has officially taken off, with the first batch of 1,357 pilgrims arriving at Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport on Saturday.
The pilgrims were warmly received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, alongside Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani and Director-General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro. Several senior officials of the Hajj mission, including coordinators for Makkah and Madinah, were also on hand to oversee arrival arrangements.
Upon landing, the pilgrims were transported to the Markaziyah district, located close to Masjid al-Nabawi, where accommodation has already been secured for all 119,210 participants under Pakistan’s government Hajj scheme. Authorities ensured a smooth check-in process by pre-assigning rooms ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival.
Essential services were promptly provided, including the distribution of Nusuk cards required for accessing key religious sites and performing Hajj rites. Pilgrims were also welcomed with a meal shortly after settling into their residences.
As is customary, many of the newly arrived pilgrims proceeded to the Prophet’s Mosque to offer prayers and convey salutations at the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), marking the spiritual beginning of their journey in Madinah.
One of the pilgrims expressed appreciation for the arrangements, commending both the Pakistani and Saudi authorities for their efforts in ensuring a comfortable start to the pilgrimage.
More flights conveying Pakistani pilgrims are expected in the coming days, as the pre-Hajj operation continues ahead of the peak pilgrimage period.