Pre-Hajj 1447 AH flights begin as 1,357 Pakistani pilgrims arrive in Madinah

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) The pre-Hajj flight operation for Hajj 1447 AH has commenced, with 1,357 Pakistani pilgrims arriving in Madinah Munawwarah.

An official told APP on Sunday that Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani and Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro received the pilgrims at Madinah Airport, while Director Makkah Muhammad Arif Aslam Rao, Director Madinah Zahid Suhail, Coordinator Makkah Zulfiqar Khan and Coordinator Madinah Kashif Hussain were also present.

The pilgrims were transported to their accommodations in the Markaziyah area, located within a few hundred meters of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where arrangements had already been finalized under Hajj 1447 AH operations.

Around 119,210 government scheme pilgrims are being accommodated in the Markaziyah area this year, ensuring easy access to prayers and religious activities.

Accommodation was provided without delay, while Nusuk cards were issued at the residences to facilitate smooth access to holy sites and performance of rituals.

A reception meal was arranged in honour of the pilgrims as part of the welcome arrangements.

Following their arrival, the pilgrims proceeded to Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAWW) to offer prayers and pay respects at Roza-e-Rasool (SAWW), which is traditionally among the first acts of devotion in Madinah.

Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements, appreciating the facilities provided by the Pakistani and Saudi authorities.

Officials added that more flights carrying Pakistani pilgrims would continue to arrive in Madinah in the coming days as part of the ongoing Hajj 1447 AH operation.