Karachi, April 8 (HS): Around 89,000 pilgrims from Pakistan are set to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year, as unveiled by the federal government. The first flight, ER 1611, will depart from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport at 10:15 PM on April 29, carrying 285 pilgrims.Initially, all flights will land at Medina Airport, with departures to Jeddah Airport commencing on May 14.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the flight schedule, accessible via the Pakistan Hajj mobile app. Under the government scheme, these 89,000 pilgrims will fly with five designated airlines. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Mohammad Yousuf, confirmed the operational launch date during a Lahore press conference, revealing a potential total of 90,000 pilgrims, including private schemes.

Vaccination at designated Hajj camps is compulsory at least 10 days prior to departure. Pakistan International Airlines will operate 280 pre-Hajj flights from April 29 to June 1.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar