Pakistan has officially started its Hajj 2025 flight operations, beginning with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-713, which took off from Islamabad and headed to the holy city of Madinah. This marks the beginning of the annual journey for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.
At the airport, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, addressed the pilgrims before their departure. He assured them that the government is doing everything possible to ensure their comfort, safety, and convenience throughout the Hajj journey. He added that he will personally travel to Saudi Arabia to oversee the arrangements and make sure everything is going smoothly for the pilgrims.
As part of the support system for pilgrims, each traveler will receive a SIM card that includes a special mobile application designed to assist them during their stay in Mina, one of the key locations visited during Hajj. The app aims to make it easier for pilgrims to get help and information when they need it.
More than 50,000 pilgrims from Islamabad and Karachi will benefit from the “Road to Makkah” initiative. This program simplifies and speeds up the immigration process by allowing it to take place in Pakistan before departure, rather than upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. This helps reduce long wait times and makes the experience much smoother for the travelers.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf also expressed his gratitude to the officials of Saudi Arabia for their ongoing support and cooperation in organizing the pilgrimage. He praised their efforts in helping to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims have a safe and well-organized Hajj experience.
