Hajj flight operations resume, says religious affairs ministry
In an exclusive talk with APP, the Ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt informed that all Hajj flights will now depart for Saudi Arabia as per their original itinerary, following the temporary suspension of flight operations due to recent security concerns.
'Due to intermittent flight suspensions, a total of 10 Hajj flights were cancelled,' the spokesperson stated. These included three flights from Lahore, two from Islamabad, and one each from Karachi and Multan, he added. As a result of these cancellations, he said 2,290 pilgrims were affected; however, 1,277 pilgrims have already been accommodated and dispatched via special flights.
Umar Butt said efforts are currently underway to ensure that the remaining 1,013 pilgrims are also flown to Saudi Arabia at the earliest through additional special flight arrangements. He said that a total of 19,669 Pakistani pilgrims have successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia so far under the Hajj Operation 2025. The spokesperson advised all pilgrims to remain in contact with their respective Haji Camps for the latest updates and flight information.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
31 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Govt to introduce separate immigration counters for foreign passengers
Listen to article Government will establish separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports, a government statement said on Saturday, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and investment. The initiative, introduced on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is designed to promote tourism, ensure the smooth flow of trade, and facilitate foreign investment. Government has decided to establish separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports in the country@PakPMO @MOIofficialGoP #News #RadioPakistan — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 2, 2025 Officials said the dedicated counters will help reduce immigration processing times, making travel more convenient for international visitors. The arrangement is also expected to shorten procedures for returning Pakistani citizens, as passenger flows will be separated. 'This measure is part of the government's broader strategy to make Pakistan more attractive and welcoming for international tourists, investors and business delegations,' an official statement said. The government has recently stepped up efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline travel procedures to position Pakistan as a more competitive destination in the region.
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Central AsiaFriendship Rally kicksoff from Islamabad
The Central Asia Friendship Rally was formally launched from Islamabad, aiming to promote peace, tourism, regional connectivity, and Pakistan's soft image across Central Asian countries. Eleven bikers will ride through Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in a journey spanning 5,000 kilometres, carrying a message of friendship and cultural unity. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister's Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas said, "These bikers are ambassadors of peace, culture, and regional cooperation. This initiative will showcase Pakistan's soft image and promote our tourism potential on an international stage." He further emphasised the role of media in portraying Pakistan positively. "We urge the media to highlight such positive initiatives. Pakistani people are known for their hospitality and do not charge tourists; this is our strength," he remarked. The official also acknowledged the valuable support of the ambassadors of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, appreciating their collaboration in making the rally possible. "This rally is a step towards greater regional connectivity," he said, adding that Pakistan is in the process of developing its first-ever National Tourism Policy, which will be a joint framework with input from all stakeholders. "Tourism is not just about travel, it's an economic driver," he said
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Hajj application process begins Aug 4
The government will start receiving applications for the official Hajj scheme from August 4, following the federal cabinet's approval of the Hajj Policy 2026. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with the Saudi timeline. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims — 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators, subject to final confirmation by Saudi authorities. The government scheme will include both the traditional 38-42 day package and a shorter 20-25 day option. Estimated costs are expected to range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million, depending on final agreements with service providers. Pilgrims will be required to deposit Hajj dues in two installments, with the first installment — Rs500,000 for the long package and Rs550,000 for the short one through designated banks, he added. Minister Yousaf said applicants must hold valid Pakistani passports until at least November 26, 2026, and children under 12 years of age will not be eligible for Hajj this year. He said all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines. He said the 'Road to Makkah' initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. He said overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments to nominated bank accounts under the scheme. The policy mandates compulsory animal sacrifice payments through the official Saudi system, he added. Minister Yousaf said private Hajj operators, including Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs), will be subject to strict financial safeguards and transparent digital oversight. He said these operators must enter service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and operate under real-time data monitoring to ensure transparency, prevent double bookings, and ensure timely services. He said a third-party audit system will evaluate the performance of both government and private Hajj schemes. The Punjab Information Technology Board will continue operational digital support, with the Ministry of IT overseeing supervision through NITB, he added. Minister Yousaf said further measures include the deployment of emergency response teams, the continuation of the "Hajj Guardian Scheme" to compensate pilgrims for losses, mandatory training on logistics, rituals, and emergency protocols, and a fully digitized complaint redressal mechanism. He said the 'Pak Hajj App' and helpline will assist pilgrims with updates and issue resolution throughout the Hajj process. The Hajj Policy 2026 will help ensure a transparent, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all Pakistani pilgrims through digitization, regulation, and improved service delivery mechanisms, he maintained. The Hajj Policy 2026 includes a 70% government quota and a 30% private sector quota. It was highlighted that, following issues with the private sector in the previous year, private companies will ensure the participation of pilgrims who missed the Hajj in 2025.
