Pakistan Launches Hajj Flights; First Group Departs from Karachi

Karachi: Hajj flight operations from Pakistan officially began on Saturday, marking the start of this year’s pilgrimage departures to Saudi Arabia.
The first Hajj flight operated by a private airline departed from Karachi carrying around 160 pilgrims to the holy cities. Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Tessori and senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs saw off the pilgrims and extended their best wishes.
Officials said that more than 31,000 pilgrims are expected to depart for Hajj from Karachi this year alone. Under the “Road to Makkah” initiative, Saudi authorities will complete one-time immigration procedures for pilgrims at Karachi airport before departure.
According to Saudi media, the Makkah Route Initiative has now expanded to include 10 participating countries. The initiative will operate from 17 stations worldwide this year.
The participating countries include Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Ivory Coast, and Maldives.
The initiative aims to streamline immigration procedures and facilitate a smoother travel experience for pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia.