First hajj returnees arrive at Islamabad airport

The first post-Hajj 2025 flight carrying 307 Pakistani pilgrims landed at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday.

The first flight, PK-732, left King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah at 8:50 PM and safely landed in Islamabad at 3:50 AM, according to the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dr. Syed Ata Ur Rehman. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary welcomed the returning pilgrims at the airport. This marks the beginning of a large-scale repatriation effort that will continue over the next month.

A total of 342 flights, operated by PIA, private airlines, and Saudi carriers, will carry 88390 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government scheme. The Hajj return operation will continue until July 10. In the first phase, eight flights are scheduled to arrive on June 11 in major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi. The Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Religious Affairs have made all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for the returning pilgrims.

Dr. Ata Ur Rehman shared that over 115000 Pakistanis performed Hajj this year, under both government and private schemes. The Pakistan Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia has coordinated with local and Saudi authorities to organize the return process effectively. This operation aims to ensure the safe and timely return of all pilgrims. Authorities have advised family members to check flight schedules and arrival timings in advance for better coordination. The government has also arranged help desks and support services at all airports to assist pilgrims during their return.