Hajj operation begins as first flight departs with 151 pilgrims

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2026) The Hajj operation formally commenced at Multan International Airport on Saturday,with the first flight carrying 151 pilgrims departing for Madinah.

The inaugural flight,operated by Airblue, marked the beginning of this year’s Hajj operation from Multan.

A total of 39 flights are scheduled to transport around 13,000 pilgrims from South Punjab with the final flight set for May 17. The operation was being managed under the Directorate of Hajj Multan with participation from multiple airlines including PIA,Air-blue and Saudi Airlines.

Chairman Senate,Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani attended the ceremony as chief guest and welcomed the pilgrims.

Addressing the gathering,he termed Hajj a great act of worship that teaches patience, sacrifice and brotherhood.

He said that it was an honor for him to bid farewell to the pilgrims and urged them to pray for Pakistan’s peace,progress and unity of the Muslim Ummah while in the holy cities.

He highlighted that the government had ensured modern facilities for pilgrims,including medical services,training programs and digital support such as mobile applications.

Despite global inflation and rising fuel prices,he maintained that the Hajj package had been kept unchanged,providing relief to pilgrims.

He added that Pakistan was playing an important role in promoting peace amid war at the international level and called upon pilgrims to pray for the country’s success.

Gilani also recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister,Multan Airport was upgraded to international status to facilitate pilgrims from South Punjab,reducing travel difficulties and additional expenses.

Director Hajj Multan,Rehan Abbas Khokhar also addressed the ceremony and advised pilgrims to uphold Pakistan’s positive image abroad, stating that they represent the country during their stay.

He said that any unspent funds from Hajj expenses,as done last year, would be returned to pilgrims this year as well.

Airport Manager Muhammad Anwar Zia, MPA Maqsooda Bibi, Iftikhar ul Hassan and some other officials were also present on the occasion.

A collective prayer was offered for the country’s prosperity and peace in the Muslim world before the departure of the pilgrims.