Pakistan Rejects Claims Hajj Flights Suspended Over Middle East War
Pakistan says Hajj flights will run on time despite Middle East tensions and flight disruptions in the region.
Pakistan’s Ministry – (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday rejected reports claiming that the Middle East war has delayed or stopped Pakistan’s Hajj flights. The ministry assured people that preparations for the pilgrimage are moving forward as planned.
The conflict in the Middle East started on Feb. 28 after strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s response. The situation has affected major air routes in the region, and some airlines have changed or canceled flights.
Earlier this month, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousuf said Pakistan has already completed its main arrangements for Hajj. He added that the first Hajj flight from Pakistan is expected to leave for Saudi Arabia on April 18.
Some media reports recently suggested that Pakistan might stop or delay the Hajj flight operation because of flight disruptions in the region. The ministry’s spokesperson strongly denied these claims and called them false and misleading.
The spokesperson explained that the visa process for pilgrims is currently in progress. Other travel and administrative preparations are also being completed so pilgrims can leave on time.
The ministry also said the official Hajj flight schedule will be announced after Eid al-Fitr. At that time, pilgrims will receive full details about their flights, hotels in Mecca and Medina, and other travel arrangements.
Separately, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq said all arrangements are in place for the pilgrims to perform Hajj in an “efficient and comfortable and safe environment.”
“Our authorities in Pakistan as well as the local Hajj mission have made all the necessary preparations for it,” he told Arab News in an interview on Sunday. “We are looking forward to a very good Hajj this year.”
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According to the religious affairs ministry, 179,210 pilgrims from Pakistan will perform Hajj this year. Of these, 119,210 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while 60,000 will go through private tour operators.
Multiple airlines, including the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudia, will operate Hajj flights.
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