Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and private airlines have expressed their concern as the federal religious affairs ministry has not issued a Hajj flight operation policy yet despite the fact that Hajj 2022 season will be kicked off on May 31, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

Moreover, pilgrims are also clueless about the Hajj package's actual cost and there are fears that amid the presence of no Hajj flight operation policy, the flight operation may see a delay.

Sources said that this year Hajj may see mismanagement as many things have not been finalized and the new federal religious ministry is shying away to take crucial    decisions regarding Hajj season.

Every year, hajj policy has always been announced a month ago so all concerned departments may finalize their arrangements ahead of the Hajj season.  

Earlier, PIA said that PIA flight operations will continue with 297 flights from May 31 to August 13 from eight cities including—Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta.

PIA said the Hajj flights from Pakistan would fly to Jeddah and Medina.

Pertinent to note that Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 81,132 pilgrims to Pakistan who will be able to perform the annual Hajj 2022. This is the second-highest number of pilgrims this year.

Reporter Saeed Ahmed Saeed