Pakistan’s national airline announced on Friday that it will repatriate over 35,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia via 171 flights. This follows the transport of 325 pilgrims to Lahore after their Hajj pilgrimage.
The post-Hajj flight operation began on Thursday, bringing back 1,200 pilgrims across seven flights to four Pakistani cities.
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Authorities have confirmed the continuation of special flights to repatriate 70,000 pilgrims under the government Hajj scheme until July 21.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is among the aviation services facilitating the return of Pakistani pilgrims.
“PIA’s post-Hajj flight PK 764 from Jeddah to Lahore arrived this afternoon carrying 325 pilgrims adorned with flower garlands,” stated the airline.
“PIA will repatriate over 35,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia through 171 flights,” it added. “Under the government Hajj scheme, around 19,500 pilgrims, under the private Hajj scheme about 14,900, and approximately 630 Hajj assistants will be brought back to Pakistan.”
The airline will operate post-Hajj flights to Peshawar, Islamabad, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi, and pilgrims from Sukkur and Quetta will travel to their cities via Karachi.
PIA stated that it will conclude its post-Hajj flight operation on July 21.
