ISLAMABAD – The return of Pakistani pilgrims from Saudi Arabia is continuing smoothly as the Hajj operation enters its final phase. Thousands of pilgrims have already reached home, while the remaining travelers are expected to return over the coming weeks.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, nearly 46 percent of Pakistani pilgrims have safely returned to Pakistan. However, around 55,000 pilgrims who traveled under the government scheme are still present in Saudi Arabia and are completing the final stages of their spiritual journey.
Ministry spokesperson Omar Butt said the Hajj Operation 2026 has now moved into its concluding stage. He explained that field activities in Makkah will be wrapped up within the next 72 hours. Following this transition, operational focus will shift entirely to Madinah.
Officials reported that approximately 28,000 Pakistani pilgrims are currently staying in Makkah. These pilgrims are being transported to Madinah in phases before their departure for Pakistan. At the same time, around 27,000 pilgrims are already in Madinah, where they are visiting the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) and other important religious sites.
The ministry stated that flights carrying pilgrims back to Pakistan are operating regularly. Authorities are coordinating transportation and accommodation arrangements to ensure a smooth and organized return process for all travelers.
Alongside the return of pilgrims, the government has also started reducing the size of its operational workforce in Saudi Arabia. Officials confirmed that around 51 percent of medical staff and Hajj assistants, known as Khudam-ul-Hujjaj, have already returned to Pakistan. The remaining personnel will stay in the Kingdom until the completion of the final Hajj flights.
According to the official schedule, the last flight carrying Pakistani pilgrims from Jeddah Airport will depart on June 16. Once that flight leaves, operations at Jeddah will formally come to an end.
After the closure of Jeddah operations, all remaining flights will depart from Madinah. The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that the final flight from Madinah is scheduled for June 30, which will officially mark the end of Pakistan’s Hajj Operation 2026.
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Officials expressed satisfaction with the progress of the operation and said arrangements continue to run according to plan. With thousands of pilgrims already home and others returning daily, authorities remain focused on ensuring a safe and comfortable conclusion to this year’s pilgrimage season.
