KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has successfully concluded its pre-Hajj operation with the final flight departing from Karachi to Jeddah on Monday night, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the national carrier. Commencing on May 9, Pakistan’s Hajj flight operations facilitated pilgrims participating in the pilgrimage under the government’s scheme.
In total, 35,030 pilgrims embarked on their journey through 171 flights, according to a statement from PIA. These flights served approximately 19,500 official pilgrims, 14,900 private pilgrims, and 630 pilgrims traveling to Madinah and Jeddah.
Departures for Hajj originated from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar, while pilgrims from Sukkur and Quetta were routed through Karachi en route to Jeddah.
This year, Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims, with approximately 70,000 anticipated to perform the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while others will opt for private tour operators.
PIA’s post-Hajj operation is scheduled to commence on June 20 and will continue until July 21. Hajj holds significant religious importance as one of the five pillars of Islam, attracting millions of Muslims worldwide to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, annually for the pilgrimage.
