ISLAMABAD: Pakistan officially launched its post-Hajj repatriation operation after the first return flight carrying pilgrims landed at Islamabad International Airport on Sunday.
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According to the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA), flight PK-742 arrived at 7:15 pm with 165 pilgrims on board, marking the beginning of the nationwide effort to bring Hajj pilgrims back home.
The PAA said the repatriation operation will continue until June 30 under a comprehensive schedule involving multiple airports across the country.
On June 1, five Hajj flights are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad, while Karachi and Lahore will each receive four flights. Three flights are planned for Multan and Sialkot, two for Faisalabad, and one for Quetta.
Officials said a total of 119,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government scheme will return to Pakistan through 471 flights during the operation.
The large-scale repatriation effort is being conducted in coordination with Pakistani government carriers, private airlines, and Saudi aviation authorities to ensure the smooth return of pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
