2,501 Pakistani pilgrims arrive in Madinah in first two days of pre-Hajj flight operation

ISLAMABAD: A total of 2,501 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Madinah in the first two days of Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operation, the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said on Friday.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime, if they are financially and physically able.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry. Of them, 63,805 pilgrims will be performing the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest would be accommodated by private tour operators.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq and Hajj Director-General Abdul Wahab Soomro warmly welcomed Pakistani pilgrims upon arrival in the holy city of Madinah.
“Pakistani Hajj pilgrims along with other pilgrims started arriving at the Prophet’s Mosque to offer Friday prayers,” a spokesperson for the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said.
“Due to the increasing rush, the roof of the Prophet’s Mosque was also opened for worshippers.”
Welcoming the Pakistani pilgrims on Friday morning, Ambassador Farooq urged them to demonstrate discipline during their stay in Saudi Arabia and thanked the Kingdom for ensuring “best” arrangements for the devotees.
“Pilgrims should demonstrate best discipline to increase the prestige of the country,” the Pakistani religious affairs ministry quoted the ambassador as saying.
“We are grateful to the Saudi government for making the best arrangements for Hajj pilgrims.”
Soomro said the pre-Hajj flight operation was ongoing successfully and feedback about different facilities would be sought from pilgrims through the Pak Hajj app.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to run from June 14 till June 19.