Over 36,000 Pakistani Pilgrims Reach Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has confirmed that a total of 36,943 Pakistani pilgrims have so far reached Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, including 32,454 under the government scheme and 4,489 through private tour operators, via 126 flights.

According to official details shared on Monday, Pakistan has formally entered the second phase of its Hajj flight operations, with the first direct flights to Jeddah commencing on May 4. Earlier flights were primarily routed to Madinah as part of the initial phase of the pilgrimage logistics plan.

On the opening day of the second phase alone, 4,337 pilgrims were scheduled to depart from various cities across Pakistan through 17 dedicated flights, reflecting the intensification of outbound Hajj operations as the pilgrimage season progresses.

The ministry described the shift in flight operations from Madinah to Jeddah as a strategic adjustment aimed at improving arrival efficiency and easing logistical pressure during peak Hajj movement.

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Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hajj Mission’s Main Control Office continues to operate round the clock, providing administrative and logistical assistance to pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Missing and Recovery Department has also reported notable success, stating that six lost pilgrims were safely located and reunited with their groups.

In addition, authorities confirmed the recovery and return of 3,700 luggage bags and 37 wheelchairs, ensuring support for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims facing travel-related difficulties.

Haram Guides have further assisted in managing movement within the holy sites, helping more than 13,000 pilgrims with navigation and crowd guidance, particularly in densely populated areas around the Haram, contributing to smoother pilgrimage operations overall.