5,250 intending pilgrims under govt scheme reach Madinah

Pre-Hajj flight operation continues as 5,250 intending pilgrims under the government scheme have reached Madinah Munnawara onboard 21 flights so far, while 3,510 more pilgrims will head to the holy land onboard 13 flights today, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

Four flights will depart from Islamabad, while two each from Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Quetta and one from Sialkot.

PIA, Saudi Airlines, Airblue and AirSial are operating flights to take pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The flight operation will continue until May 31.

Two flights of AirSial and Saudia Airlines, carrying 160 and 345 pilgrims, respectively had left Karachi and Lahore airports for Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

First flight of AirSial’s pre-Hajj operation, PF-7700, with 160 pilgrims onboard, left Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport for Mecca Mukarma at 2:05 AM.

Pakistan Airports Authority said that latest immigration facilities had been provided to pilgrims under the Route to Mecca programme.

Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi saw off pilgrims at the airport.

Federal and provincial ministers, present on the occasion, reviewed the facilities provided to pilgrims.

They visited the Saudi immigration counters and appreciated the facilities being provided there.

Also on Saturday, the first flight of the pre-Hajj operation from Lahore, carrying 345 passengers, left for Medina.

Saudi Airlines, SV5735, departed at 10:30 in the morning.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Provincial Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Saudi envoy to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Ibrar Ahmad Mirza and other senior officials saw off the pilgrims at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Reporter: Saeed Ahmad