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Pakistan on Saturday began Hajj flights operation with the departure of first flight carrying 456 intending pilgrims from Islamabad to Jeddah.
Overall one hundred sixty thousand Pakistani faithful will perform Hajj this time, which is the biggest number among Islamic countries, Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ijazul Haq said while seeing off the pilgrims of the first flight at Islamabad international airport.
Ninety thousand pilgrims will proceed through regular Hajj scheme while remaining will go through private tour operators.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Airlines will operate 462 special flights from different major cities.
Twenty-nine thousand two hundred and fifty three pilgrims will proceed to Saudi Arabia through sixty-six special flights from Islamabad airport.
Hajj operation will be completed on January 4 with the departure of last Hajj flight from Islamabad.
Speaking at a reception hosted in honor of intending pilgrims, Ijazul Haq said that for the first time Hajj flights will also go directly to Mecca to facilitate the pilgrims while twenty-six thousand pilgrims will be airlifted to Medina directly.
He said that the government has set up two hospitals in Mecca and Medina besides eight dispensaries to provide service to the pilgrims.
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