Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has initiated the repatriation process for Hujjaj (pilgrims) returning from Saudi Arabia. According to a spokesperson for the airline, the first post-Haj flights arrived in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar on Sunday, bringing back more than 1,300 pilgrims.

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Among the returnees, Karachi received over 377 pilgrims, Islamabad welcomed 392, Lahore received 323, and Peshawar saw 276 pilgrims returning. The first flight to Karachi was greeted by Governor of Sindh Kamran Tessori, along with PIA Airport Station Manager Javed Pechuho and officials from PIA’s passenger handling services, who presented the pilgrims with rose garlands. Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) were also present to extend their welcome.

At the Islamabad International Airport, the returning pilgrims were received by Senator Talha Mehmood, who had accompanied them on the same flight from Jeddah.

In Lahore, the PIA Airport Station Manager Ali Abbas Shah, along with officials from PIA’s passenger handling services, welcomed the pilgrims. Similarly, at Peshawar Airport, the PIA and CAA officials were present to receive the returning Hujjaj.

Over the course of the PIA’s post-Haj operation, approximately 268 flights will be operated to bring back a total of 61,467 pilgrims. These include around 41,000 government scheme pilgrims, 19,000 private pilgrims, and 600 khuddam from Jeddah and Madina Airports, all arriving in Pakistan via PIA flights.

The PIA has made special arrangements at Jeddah and Madina airports to facilitate the pilgrims during their return journey. The post-Haj operation will continue until August 2.

As the repatriation process unfolds, PIA’s efforts aim to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for the returning Hujjaj, allowing them to reunite with their families and cherish their Haj experiences.