First Hajj flight leaves Islamabad for Saudi Arabia
Pakistan Times National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The first special Hajj Flight PK-1101 carrying 270 intending pilgrims left Islamabad International Airport for Jeddah on Wednesday.

Chairman Senate, Muhammedmian Soomro, Minister for Religious Affairs, Ijaz-ul-Haq, Secretary, Religious Affairs, Vakil Ahmed Khan saw off the pilgrims at the airport.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammedmian Soomro asked the intending pilgrims to demonstrate patience and tolerance during the performance of Hajj.

"All the pilgrims are the ambassadors of the country so that they should maintain discipline during their stay in Saudi Arabia," he said.

The Chairman said that performance of Hajj rituals is a difficult exercise which should be carried out with discipline and showing patience.

Arrangements in Saudi Arabia

He, however, said the government has made elaborate arrangements to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

This year, he said, a record number of Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj.

He urged the pilgrims to beg blessings of Allah Almighty for prosperity of Muslim Ummah and well-being of their countrymen alongwith performance of Hajj rituals.

Minister Ijaz-ul-Haq

Ijaz-ul-Haq speaking on this occasion said that maximum facilities will be provided to Pakistani pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

He, however, asked the pilgrims to express patience in case of any difficulty.

The Minister said that best possible facilities will be ensured for pilgrims at Muzdalfa, Mina and Arafat.

"The government, in collaboration with Mossassa South Asia has arranged 13-time meals for our pilgrims during their stay at Muzdalfa, Mina and Arafat," he added.

Medical team

He said a medical team with sufficient medicines will be available for treatment of Pakistani pilgrims both at Makkah and Madina.

As many as 25460 pilgrims through 67 special flights will be airlifted to Jeddah from the Federal Capital.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of intending pilgrims at the airport.

A Hajj Office and special handling staff has been deputed for the comfort of passengers in the lounge.

The arrangements include ablution place, place for wearing of Ahrams, seating arrangements for 800 passengers in the lounge, medical facilities besides the doctor and paramedics alongwith ambulances round the clock.

Additional manpower has been added to the present staff to facilitate the intending pilgrims in a befitting manner.

Director General CAA, Air Marshal (R) Pervez Akhtar Nawaz has given clear instructions to Airport Management to deal with the intending pilgrims in exemplary way.●