An additional 6,224 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via the ‘Route to Makkah’ initiative and standard Hajj flights from various cities across Pakistan.
This brings the total number of Pakistani pilgrims currently in the Holy Land to 90,976, marking the completion of 77% of the country’s official government Hajj quota.
According to a Spokesperson for Ministry of Religious Affairs Umar Butt for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 164 flights have landed in Madinah and 174 in Makkah so far. Of the total arrived pilgrims, 94% are currently stationed in Makkah, while 6% are in Madinah.
On Friday, an additional 777 pilgrims landed in Madinah to begin their mandatory eight-day stay. Meanwhile, 22,204 pilgrims have successfully completed their eight-day stay in Madinah and transitioned to Makkah. This brings the total number of pilgrims relocated from Madinah to Makkah to 35,249, while another 42,572 pilgrims have flown directly from Pakistan to Makkah.
To ensure seamless services, healthcare, and guidance on the ground, the Ministry’s support staff has reached near-full deployment. Currently, 98% of Hajj Welfare Staff (Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj), 93% of SDE and technical staff, and 87% of medical personnel have assumed their official duties.
In terms of field facilitation, the “Haram Guides” stationed at the entry points of Masjid al-Haram have successfully guided 17,768 pilgrims so far. Additionally, 35,058 pilgrims currently in Madinah have been facilitated for holy sightseeing (Ziyarat) at Sirat-al-Jannah.
To further streamline commuting between residential accommodations and the Holy Haram for prayers and Umrah rituals, the transport infrastructure has been significantly reinforced. The Ministry integrated 45 new buses into the transit fleet over the last 24 hours, expanding the active fleet to 416 buses to provide uninterrupted, 24-hour pick-and-drop services for all pilgrims.
Religious affairs minister reaches KSA to review Hajj arrangements
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf has arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, where he performed Umrah after reaching the holy city of Makkah Mukarramah.
According to the spokeperson of the Ministry, the federal minister met with Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to inquire about their well-being.
The pilgrims expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements made under the government Hajj scheme.
In a move to closely monitor the situation, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf will be staying in the accommodation reserved for the Hajj pilgrims.
During his visit, the Minister for Religious Affairs will review the ongoing Hajj arrangements in Makkah Mukarramah, Madinah Munawwarah, and the holy sites.
Furthermore, the minister is scheduled to hold meetings with his Saudi counterpart alongside other dignitaries.
He will also visit the specific institutions and departments responsible for overseeing accommodation, food, transport, and other facilities provided to the pilgrims.