First pre-Hajj flights from Pakistan arrive in Madinah

The first pre-Hajj flights from Pakistan have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia, with 1,357 Pakistani pilgrims reaching Madinah as the annual pilgrimage preparations officially get underway, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

According to a report, the pilgrims were received at Madinah airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani, and Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro. 

Senior officials from the Hajj mission were also present, including directors and coordinators overseeing arrangements in Makkah and Madinah.

Upon arrival, all pilgrims were transferred to accommodation in the central area of Madinah, known as the Markaziyah district, located a short distance from the Prophet’s Mosque.

Officials said that under the government scheme, arrangements have been made for 119,210 Pakistani pilgrims this year, with full accommodation facilities provided in the central zones of the holy city. 

They added that pilgrims were accommodated without delay and were also issued Nusuk cards at their residences, which are required for worship and access to holy sites.

A welcome meal was also arranged for the arriving pilgrims. After settling in, many pilgrims visited the Prophet’s Mosque, where they offered prayers and performed visits to sacred sites, a practice commonly observed upon arrival in Madinah.

One pilgrim expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, stating that both Pakistani and Saudi authorities had provided excellent facilities.

Officials confirmed that additional flights carrying pilgrims will continue to arrive in the coming days as the Hajj operation progresses.