ISLAMABAD: The repatriation of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims commenced on Saturday evening, with the first flight carrying 117 pilgrims arriving at Islamabad International Airport.
Airport Manager Aftab Gilani welcomed the returning pilgrims upon their arrival, marking the start of the country’s post-Hajj flight operations.
The return journey began after more than 1.7 million Muslims from across the globe completed the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims have started departing Makkah after performing key rituals, including the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina and the farewell circumambulation (Tawaf Al-Wida) at the Grand Mosque.
This year’s pilgrimage took place under extremely high temperatures. Saudi authorities implemented extensive heat-management measures following the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj season, when temperatures exceeded 50 degrees Celsius.
According to the Saudi Red Crescent, emergency medical and rescue teams assisted more than 83,000 individuals throughout the Hajj period.
Pakistan’s Hajj flight operation had commenced last month with the departure of the first group of pilgrims from Karachi. Under the Road to Makkah initiative, immigration procedures for eligible pilgrims were completed at Karachi airport before departure, streamlining their arrival process in Saudi Arabia.
During the Hajj season, Pakistan International Airlines transported more than 55,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 191 flights. Of these, nearly 49,000 travelled under the government Hajj scheme, while approximately 6,000 performed Hajj through private tour operators.
The return operation is expected to continue over the coming weeks as thousands of Pakistani pilgrims make their way back home.
