Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started its flight operation to bring pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Pakistan as the first flight PK-762 reached Islamabad from Jeddah early Sunday morning, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

As many as 693 pilgrims are due to return to Pakistan onboard first three PIA flights, which after Islamabad will land at Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar airports later today.

PK-760 will reach Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport at 3:20 pm; PK-832 will reach Karachi Airport at 3:35 pm, while PK-740 will reach Peshawar from Jeddah at 6:35 in the evening.   

The airline’s flight operation from Jeddah will continue until July 20, while pilgrims will start leaving Makkah for Madinah from July 5. As many as 38,000 pilgrims will travel to Madinah.   

The last Hajj flight from Madinah will reach Pakistan on August 2.

The ratio of national flag carrier’s timely departure of flights has been 94 percent, which has been acknowledged. 

PIA has made special arrangements for the return of Pakistani pilgrims at its Jeddah Hajj Terminal.

Similarly, arrangements are complete for giving a warm reception to pilgrims on their arrival at Pakistani airports.

Reporter: Rana Faran Yamin