The first batch of 720 Pakistani pilgrims arrived in Jeddah today, marking the commencement of the Hajj pilgrimage under the government’s Hajj scheme. Two flights operated by Saudi Airlines landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport, carrying pilgrims from Karachi and Islamabad as part of the Road to Makkah Initiative.
The pilgrims, clad in their Ihram and reciting the Talbiyah, expressed their devotion as they disembarked: “Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik (Here I am, O Allah, here I am!), Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik (Here I am, no partner do You have, here I am), Inna Al-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk (Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You), La Sharika Lak! (No partner do You have).”
The first flight, SV-3705, arrived at 5 a.m. local time with 370 passengers on board. The second flight, SV-3727, carrying 350 pilgrims, landed at 6:10 a.m. They were warmly welcomed by Director General Jeddah/Head of Pakistan Hajj Mission Abdul Wahab Soomro, Consul General Khalid Majeed, senior officials from the Consulate and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as representatives from the Saudi government.
The pilgrims were greeted with rose petals, bouquets, drinks, dry fruits, and a variety of dates. The Pakistan Hajj Mission’s supporting staff was present at the airport to assist the pilgrims with any needs.
Under the Road to Makkah initiative, the pilgrims bypassed long immigration queues, with their luggage being directly transferred to their hotels.
This initial phase of the Hajj flight operation saw 34,316 Pakistanis arrive in Madinah by May 23 through 146 flights. From May 24 to June 9, an additional 114 flights will transport 34,422 Pakistani pilgrims to Jeddah from major cities across Pakistan.
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