The First Group of Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims has Returned Home

The first group of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims has returned home, marking the official start of the post-Hajj repatriation operation, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority.

A special flight, PK-742, carrying 165 pilgrims, landed at Islamabad International Airport at 7:15 pm on Saturday after departing from Saudi Arabia. The arrival signaled the beginning of a large-scale operation to bring thousands of Pakistani pilgrims back home following the completion of Hajj.

Airport officials, including the airport manager, warmly welcomed the returning pilgrims and congratulated them on completing their sacred journey. Special arrangements had been made at the airport to facilitate their smooth arrival and reception.

According to officials, the repatriation process for nearly 119,000 pilgrims under the government scheme began on May 31. The first return flight carrying 391 pilgrims was scheduled to depart from Jeddah and arrive in Sialkot on June 1.

On the opening day of the operation, approximately 5,237 pilgrims are expected to return to Pakistan through multiple flights. The Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan has finalized all logistical preparations for the month-long repatriation programme.

Officials stated that 22 flights are scheduled to arrive on June 1, followed by 23 flights on June 2. On the first day, Islamabad will receive five flights, while Karachi and Lahore will each receive four flights. Three flights each will land in Multan and Sialkot, while Faisalabad will receive two and Quetta one.

Pilgrims will be transported back from both Madinah and Jeddah throughout June under a coordinated airlift programme involving Pakistani and Saudi airlines. In total, 471 flights will operate as part of the government Hajj scheme.

The post-Hajj operation is scheduled to conclude on June 30, with the final flight expected to arrive in Lahore, bringing this year’s repatriation process to a close.