Hajj 2026: Return of Pakistani pilgrims begins as first flight departs for Sialkot

MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st May, 2026) Following the successful completion of Hajj 2026, the repatriation of Pakistani pilgrims under the government scheme commenced on Sunday.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Director General (DG) of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, and other senior officials of the Pakistan Hajj Mission saw off the pilgrims with prayers, well-wishes, and a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

The post-Hajj flight operation officially kicked off with the first flight, PK-964, scheduled to land in Sialkot during the night between Sunday and Monday. This massive repatriation operation, catering to around 119,000 pilgrims, will continue until June 30.

Earlier, the Pakistan Hajj Mission organized a farewell ceremony at the pilgrims' accommodation in the Al-Aziziyah district.

Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf bade farewell to the pilgrims, praying for the acceptance of their rituals and a safe journey home. DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and Chief Coordinator Mirza Ali Mahsud were also present. Imbued with deep spiritual fervor, the pilgrims began their journey back home with pleasant memories and special prayers for the security and prosperity of Pakistan.

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According to Ministry of Religious Affairs Spokesperson Omar Butt, a total of 21 Hajj flights will take off for various cities across Pakistan on June 1. These include 5 flights to the Federal capital Islamabad, 4 each to Karachi and Lahore, 2 each to Multan, Sialkot, and Faisalabad, and 1 flight to Quetta.

The spokesperson added that a total of 5,628 pilgrims will be repatriated during the first two days of the post-Hajj flight operation. To ensure a swift and comfortable journey, the services of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), alongside Saudi Arabian Airlines, Air Sial, and Airblue, have been engaged for this year's government flight operations.

Meanwhile, departing pilgrims expressed complete satisfaction with the arrangements, praising the high-quality accommodation, transport, catering, and management particularly during the intensive days at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The pilgrims lauded the government of Pakistan and the Hajj Mission for providing excellent guidance and care throughout the holy journey.