ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said on Thursday that a total of 660 pilgrims will arrive in Madinah on Apr. 18 via three flights, marking the beginning of the country’s pre-Hajj flight operations.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Of these, around 118,000 seats have been allocated to the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators.
A high-level meeting was held in the Directorate of Madinah to review arrangements for the arrival of Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Participants of the meeting included key officials such as Director Madinah Zahid Sohail, Coordinator Makkah Zulfiqar Khan and Head of the Medical Mission Col. Muhammad Tauqir Mali. Participants reviewed preparations such as pilgrims’ accommodation, food and transport facilities.
“According to the briefing, a total of 660 Pakistani pilgrims will arrive in Madinah on April 18 2026 through three flights. More pilgrims will follow in the coming days,” the religious affairs ministry said.
“This will mark the start of this year’s Hajj operation for Pakistan with a strong focus on organized and efficient services from day one.”
The statement said all systems are in place to welcome the pilgrims, adding that authorities remain focused on ensuring that every pilgrim begins their Hajj journey in Madinah with comfort, ease and peace of mind.
Zahid Sohail, the Madinah Director for Pakistan’s Hajj operation, said all arrangements were “fully computerized and properly planned.” He said allocation of rooms for Hajj pilgrims had also been completed.
The ministry has urged pilgrims to use the “Pak Hajj 2026” mobile app to access information about their flights, departure timings and airports
Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the government package is estimated to cost between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,049.93–$4,236), subject to final agreements with service providers.
Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operations are expected to continue uninterrupted until May 21.
