Govt kicks off Haj operation with new facilities, expanded pre-clearance system

ISLAMABAD: Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Sunday said the government had made comprehensive arrangements to ensure maximum facilitation for Haj pilgrims as the national operation officially got underway with the departure of the first flights.

The minister was present at Islamabad International Airport to see off pilgrims, alongside senior officials, as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) began its pre-Haj flight operations from multiple cities.

According to officials, the first Haj flight (PK-747), carrying more than 390 pilgrims, departed from Sialkot for Madinah in the early hours of the day, while Islamabad’s first flight (PK-753) left for Riyadh shortly after 9am.

Addressing a ceremony at the airport, the minister said Pakistan had completed its Haj preparations within the stipulated timeline with support from Saudi authorities, adding that efforts had been made to ensure pilgrims receive the best possible facilities throughout their journey.

He highlighted the expansion of the Road to Makkah project — a pre-clearance initiative that allows pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration formalities at their departure airports. This year, the facility has been extended to Lahore in addition to Karachi and Islamabad, and is expected to benefit over 95,000 pilgrims.

The minister said the initiative would streamline arrival procedures in Saudi Arabia, reducing waiting times and improving the overall travel experience.

He added that pilgrims would be provided with e-SIMs to stay connected with their families in Pakistan, along with access to modern accommodation facilities and high-speed train services between Makkah and Madinah.

The minister also expressed gratitude to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Mohammed bin Salman and Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah for their support in facilitating Pakistan’s Haj arrangements.

Congratulating pilgrims, he urged them to represent Pakistan with dignity and uphold the country’s image during the pilgrimage.

A PIA spokesperson said that under the government scheme, around 49,000 pilgrims would travel, while more than 6,000 pilgrims under private Haj operators would also be transported through PIA flights.

The airline’s pre-Haj operation will continue until May 21, with flights scheduled from multiple cities across the country. From Islamabad alone, over 15,400 pilgrims will be transported through 46 flights.

Karachi will see more than 15,000 pilgrims depart via 55 flights, while Lahore will send 12,377 pilgrims through 34 flights. Additional operations include 3,680 pilgrims from Faisalabad via 23 flights, 5,383 from Multan through 13 flights, 2,075 from Sialkot via five flights, and 4,487 pilgrims from Quetta on 15 flights.

Officials added that the first Haj flight from Karachi (PK-743) is scheduled to depart on April 23 with 391 pilgrims, while Quetta’s first flight will leave on April 21 carrying over 300 pilgrims. Lahore’s first pre-Haj flight is set for April 24 with a similar number of passengers.