Pakistani pilgrims appreciate Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate Hajj through ‘Makkah Route Initiative’

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia from Pakistan to perform Hajj rituals this year 1445H expressed happiness as they completed their travel procedures at Islamabad International Airport.

They cited benefiting from the ‘Makkah Route Initiative’ designed by Saudi Hajj authorities to serve the pilgrims in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to finalize their travel procedures at home, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi competent authorities have made great strides to provide the best services to the pilgrims during the Hajj season with the aim of facilitating the travel procedures for pilgrims from Pakistan and six other countries with ease and tranquility.

The initiative was welcomed and praised by the pilgrims in Pakistan, who appreciated the great work provided by the Hajj host country to serve the pilgrims so that they could enjoy comfort while performing the Hajj rituals, as well as the keenness to provide them with the finest services from their arrival to the Kingdom until their departure back home.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hajj Mission has received approximately 28,743 intending Pakistani Hujjaj in Madinah by Tuesday, who arrived through 120 flights operated by different airlines from major cities of Pakistan to perform their religious obligation under the government scheme.

Additionally, more than 1,000 intending pilgrims have reached Makkah under the private Hajj scheme.

Hajj pilgrims from across the world are converging in Makkah for a five-day communion with Allah Almighty to seek forgiveness for their sins and invoke His blessings, starting from the 8th of Zilhajj. This year, around 2.5 million faithful from across the world, including 179,210 from Pakistan, will perform the religious obligation of Hajj.

This year’s pilgrimage will take place from June 14-19. The direct flight operation from major airports of Pakistan to the city of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) will continue until May 24. A total of 34,316 Pakistanis will reach Madinah by May 24 through 146 flights.

From May 24 to June 9, as many as 114 flights are scheduled to airlift 34,422 Pakistanis from major cities to Jeddah.