Hajj 2025 has officially started in Pakistan as the first flight carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia took off from Islamabad. According to a report by ARY News on Tuesday, this marks the beginning of the annual Hajj flight operations from the country.
The first flight, PIA PK-713, left Islamabad International Airport early in the morning and headed to the holy city of Madinah. Many excited pilgrims were seen at the airport, ready to begin their spiritual journey.
A special ceremony was held at the airport to mark this important event. During the ceremony, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, addressed the gathering. He said that the government has done everything possible to make the Hajj journey comfortable and smooth for all pilgrims this year.
The minister gave his full assurance that every effort will be made to solve any problems Pakistani pilgrims may face during their stay in Saudi Arabia. He also mentioned that he would personally travel to Saudi Arabia soon to check all the arrangements and ensure everything is going well.
Calling the pilgrims “guests of Allah” and “ambassadors of Pakistan,” Sardar Muhammad Yousaf advised them to follow all Saudi laws and regulations during their stay. He reminded the pilgrims that they are representing Pakistan and should show good behavior and discipline.
He also shared some useful information for the pilgrims. He said that each pilgrim will receive a free SIM card that has a special mobile application. This app will help guide them if they get lost, especially during the large gatherings at Mina.
The minister requested that all pilgrims remember Pakistan in their prayers. He asked them to pray for peace, progress, and the success of not just Pakistan but also for the unity and prosperity of the entire Muslim Ummah.
He also talked about the “Road to Makkah” project. Sardar Yousaf explained that over 50,000 pilgrims from cities like Islamabad and Karachi will be using this special service during Hajj 2025. Through this project, all immigration and customs procedures are completed at the airport in Pakistan, so the pilgrims don’t have to wait in long lines after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
The minister said that the government is working hard to expand this facility to more cities in Pakistan next year, so more pilgrims can benefit from the easy process.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf also expressed his deep thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He praised them for making excellent arrangements for Hajj 2025 and for always supporting Pakistani pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Radio Pakistan spoke with several pilgrims at the airport. They praised the Road to Makkah project, saying it saved them time and made the journey much easier. They were thankful to the government of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for taking such good care of them.
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