ISLAMABAD: About 63 percent of Pakistani pilgrims travelling under the government Hajj scheme have arrived in Saudi Arabia since the pre-Hajj flight operations began on April 29, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said Friday.
So far, 55,642 pilgrims have arrived on 244 flights, with 4,558 more expected on 19 flights today, spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said. Flights today include five from Lahore, nine from Karachi, three from Islamabad, and two from Quetta.
This year, the Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHM) will accommodate over 88,380 pilgrims under the government scheme and about 27,000 under the private scheme. Flight operations will continue until May 31, with the last flight to Madinah scheduled for May 27 and the final flight to Makkah arriving on May 31.
Preparations for tents and other facilities at Mina and Arafat are ongoing, the spokesperson added. Pilgrims are being provided meals in Makkah and Madinah. Accommodation in Madinah is fully arranged near Masjid al-Nabawi, while in Makkah, pilgrims are housed in Aziziyah, Batha Quraish, and Naseem areas.
The Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia soon to review Hajj arrangements and meet Saudi officials, especially during the Mashair Days.
Pilgrims must have a Nusuk Card to enter Haram Sharif, which is issued soon after their arrival.
Medical services are available through two central hospitals in Makkah and Madinah and 12 dispensaries across key locations. A total of 306 doctors and medical staff are on duty. Facilities include ambulances, laboratories, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG machines, minor operating theaters, and separate wards for men and women.
