1357 Pakistani pilgrims land in Madinah as pre-Hajj flights begin

MADINAH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) Pakistan's pre-Hajj flight operation began on Saturday with 1357 pilgrims landing at Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah. The pilgrims were received at the airport by Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani, and Director-General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro. Director Makkah Muhammad Arif Aslam Rao,Director Madinah Zahid Sohail, Coordinator Makkah Zulfiqar Khan, and Coordinator Madinah Kashif Hussain were also present.

All arriving pilgrims were transported to the Markaziyah area of Madinah, the district immediately surrounding Masjid al-Nabawi where the Pakistan Hajj mission has secured housing for the full 119,210 pilgrims travelling under this year's government scheme.

Officials said rooms had been pre-allocated, allowing pilgrims to check in without significant delays.

Nusuk cards, required for access to religious sites and the performance of rituals, were issued to pilgrims upon arrival at their accommodation. A welcome lunch was also arranged.

After settling in, the pilgrims made their way to Masjid al-Nabawi to offer salutations at the resting place of the Holy Prophet typically the first act of most pilgrims upon reaching Madinah. One pilgrim described the overall experience simply: "We are grateful to the Pakistani and Saudi governments for making the best arrangements."

Further flights carrying Pakistani pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in the coming days. The pre-Hajj operation is expected to continue until the main Hajj period begins.