Pakistan Temporarily Halts Preparation of Hajj Flight Schedule Amid Regional Tensions

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has temporarily halted the preparation of the Hajj flight schedule due to the tense regional situation following potential military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to sources, authorities are reviewing the current geopolitical situation, as it could affect the planned flight operations for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Officials said the flight schedule will be finalized after considering evolving circumstances.

Despite the possible delay in finalizing the flight schedule, the process of issuing visas to Pakistani pilgrims has already begun and is continuing around the clock. Sources said that about two-thirds of the pilgrims have already received their visas, while visa processing for 120,000 applicants continued even over the weekend. Staff at the ministry have reportedly had their Saturday and Sunday holidays canceled to speed up the process.

Officials added that preparations for the Hajj schedule are progressing quickly and there is a strong possibility that the complete plan will be announced before Eid al-Fitr. The schedule will include details of flights, building bookings, room allocations, and other arrangements, which will be made available on the ministry’s website and the Pak Hajj Mobile App.

Sources also confirmed that the second phase of pilgrim training will begin immediately after Eid al-Fitr, with training materials and schedules already prepared.