MAKKAH: The number of pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj has reached 1.518 million, according to officials overseeing Hajj security operations.
According to officials responsible for Hajj security management in a press conference held in Makkah, 1,518,000 pilgrims from different parts of the world have come to the Kingdom for Hajj.
It was revealed that 30 percent of pilgrims have arrived through the scheme named “Makkah Route Initiative.” This initiative aims to facilitate immigration and travel procedures before arriving at Saudi Arabia.
The authorities further disclosed that advance technological devices are being used for the convenience of the pilgrims to cope with huge crowds in Hajj. Although no details were provided, it was emphasized that digital tools are proving effective in managing the pilgrim crowds.
Millions of Muslims are performing congregational prayers in Masjid al-Haram on the first Friday of Dhul Hijjah. The Friday sermon emphasized the spiritual importance of the first ten days of this month of Islam.
This year witnessed a major improvement in security and service facilities provided to the pilgrims owing to the increased figure of pilgrims.
34 days, 468 flights: Pakistan completes Hajj flight operation
Earlier, Pakistan has successfully concluded its 34-day Hajj flight operation, transporting pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina under the government’s official Hajj scheme.
It is reported that the last Hajj flight PK-741 was taken out from Lahore for the transport of 290 people to Jeddah. The first flight of the current season left Lahore on April 18.
The total number of Hajj flights reached 468 while the number of pilgrims was 119,076; 186 flights flew to Medina and 282 flights to Jeddah. Flights took place from eight cities in Pakistan:
Islamabad: 129 flights
Karachi: 124 flights
Lahore: 104 flights
Multan: 34 flights
Sialkot: 26 flights
Faisalabad: 23 flights
Quetta: 18 flights
Sukkur: 5 flights
Out of them, there were 67,230 men and 51,846 women.
Flights for this year’s Hajj were made by PIA, Saudi Airlines, and other private airlines to ensure the smooth process of traveling for Pakistani pilgrims.
