Pakistan’s post-Hajj flight operation begins today, over 88,000 pilgrims to return

Pakistan’s post-Hajj flight operation is set to begin Tuesday evening, with the first flight, PK-732, is scheduled to carry 307 pilgrims from Jeddah and land in Islamabad early Wednesday morning.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, over 88,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government scheme will return home through 342 flights by July 10.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, and private carriers are jointly managing this large-scale operation.

On the first day, seven flights are scheduled to arrive across Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi, while the first post-Hajj flight from Madinah is set to land in Lahore on June 12.

Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ata Ur Rehman confirmed that elaborate arrangements have been made for a smooth and safe return of pilgrims.

Over 115,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj this year under both official and private schemes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their “exceptional organisation” of Hajj 2025, calling the experience “comfortable and memorable” for pilgrims.