Hajj 2026 flights have officially begun from Pakistan, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage operations.
The first Hajj flight departed from Karachi carrying 160 pilgrims to the holy land of Saudi Arabia.
Nihal Hashmi along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs saw off the pilgrims and extended their best wishes.
Authorities confirmed that over 31,000 pilgrims will depart for Hajj this year from Karachi alone, with additional flights scheduled from other cities.
Under the Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi authorities will complete immigration procedures at Karachi airport before departure.
This arrangement is designed to provide convenience to pilgrims by reducing waiting time and streamlining immigration procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi media reports, the Makkah Route Initiative now includes 10 participating countries, with further expansion planned in the coming years.
