Grand ceremony marks start of Hajj operations in Sialkot

SIALKOT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2026) A special ceremony was held at Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) in connection with departure of the first Hajj flight from Sialkot.

Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif was the chief guest of the ceremony. The ceremony was attended by the Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resource Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, Chairman SIAL Hassan Ali Bhatti, Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Chaudhary Faisal Ikram, CEO AirSial Ahsan Amin, SVC AirSial Qaiser Baryar, Convener SIAL Hajj Committee Ghulam Murtaza, Director Hajj Operations Muhammad Rizwan Sharif, In-charge Hajj Operations Sialkot Mujeeb Akbar Shah and SIAL Management.

Addressing the Hajj pilgrims, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif congratulated the intending pilgrims, and said that happiness of Hajj-e-Baitullah was the reward of Allah Almighty. Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that intending pilgrims were representatives of Muslims from allover the world, members should pay Hajj humbly, obey Saudi laws and observe discipline.

He added that the Pakistani intending pilgrims would represent the country on a global platform, and their conduct would shape the international perception of Pakistan. Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that Pakistan has achieved significant successes by the grace of Allah during last year, emphasizing that these accomplishments were made possible by the bravery and dedication of the country’s armed forces.

In his remarks, he stated that Pakistan has not only defeated the enemy last year but has also secured important achievements on the global stage, particularly in advocating the case of the Muslim Ummah internationally.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif emphasized that recent developments, especially the middle East ceasefire and ongoing talks, demonstrate Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.

He appealed to inteding Hajj pilgrims to offer special prayers on behalf of the entire nation for the development  and prosperity of the country.

He said that the government had made the best arrangements for accommodation, transportation and medical services for the intending pilgrims.

Director Hajj Operations Muhammad Rizwan Sharif said that just like in the other cities of Pakistan, ministry has made the best arrangements for the Hajj pilgrims of Sialkot.

Director Hajj Operations said that the Hajj pilgrims will have excellent accommodations in Makkah and also in Madina.

He said that the intending pilgrims will be provided with 25kg luggage bag, hand carry bang, scarf, SIM cards containing 25 GB data for short-duration pilgrims and 40 GB data for long-duration pilgrims (40 days). This enables them to stay connected with their families and communities during stay.

In-charge Hajj Operations Sialkot Syed Mujeeb Akbar Shah told APP that a total of 26 flights, including 21 AirSial and 5 PIA flights, will transport approximately 5,000 Hajj pilgrims from SIAL to Saudi Arabia.

At the end of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for the Hajj pilgrims and for the prosperity of the country.