ISLAMABAD: Pakistani pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday praised the smooth organization and facilities provided during this year’s Hajj, despite facing intense heat in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Pakistan’s post-Hajj flight operation began with the arrival of PIA flight PK732 in Islamabad earlier in the day, carrying 307 pilgrims. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of seven flights are scheduled to transport 1,496 pilgrims to Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Karachi on the first day of the repatriation operation.
“A total of seven flights carrying 1,496 pilgrims will land on June 11, while the post-Hajj flight operation will conclude on July 10 with the last flight landing in Islamabad,” Muhammad Umer Butt, spokesperson for the religious affairs ministry, informed.
Speaking to Arab News at Islamabad International Airport, returning pilgrims praised the Hajj experience, describing it as spiritually uplifting and logistically smooth, crediting the Saudi authorities for their efforts.
“It [Hajj] was very good and an amazing experience,” said Muhammad Waseem from Attock. “It was very hot, but the Saudi government had made good arrangements— there was water and fans everywhere.”
