The first Hajj flight from Lahore departed on Saturday, carrying 340 intending pilgrims to Madinah via Saudi Airline flight SV-5735, marking a significant milestone with the launch of the Route to Makkah at Allama Iqbal International Airport for the first time.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, and provincial ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman saw off the pilgrims at a ceremony held at the airport.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf described the occasion as historic, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him the opportunity to serve the guests of Allah.
He said that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif had issued special directives to ensure provision of the best possible facilities to Hajj pilgrims, adding that all-out efforts were being made to facilitate them at every stage of the journey.
He informed that around 30,000 pilgrims would depart from Lahore this year, while approximately 95,800 Pakistani pilgrims, nearly 80 percent, would benefit from the Route to Makkah facility.
The minister, highlighting new arrangements, said that for the first time one Nazim had been appointed for every 188 pilgrims to ensure better coordination and assistance, while each pilgrim would be provided free internet services to stay connected with their families. He further said that comprehensive measures had been taken to make the pilgrimage more comfortable, including provision of air-conditioned tents and improved facilities for around 24,000 pilgrims travelling between Makkah and Madinah.
He urged the pilgrims to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia and to offer special prayers for the peace, stability and prosperity of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.
He expressed confidence that, owing to the dedicated efforts of the ministry’s team, pilgrims would not face difficulties during Hajj.
On the occasion, PUC Chairman Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi thanked the Saudi government for including Lahore in the Route to Makkah initiative, saying that the facility would significantly ease the pilgrimage by completing immigration formalities in Pakistan, thus ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique welcomed the Saudi ambassador and said the inclusion of Lahore as the third airport of Pakistan in the initiative reflected the deep-rooted and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He termed the day as historic and noted that excellent arrangements had been made for Hajj this year.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that Hajj was not merely a journey but a profound spiritual experience, adding that the Route to Makkah facility would greatly benefit pilgrims by simplifying travel procedures. He noted that under this system, immigration formalities were completed at Lahore airport, saving valuable time upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The departing pilgrims also expressed gratitude to the governments of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for the excellent arrangements, saying that the Route to Makkah initiative had made their journey comfortable, convenient and well-organized.