The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised all arrangements for the 2024 Hajj operation, with the first flight from Pakistan scheduled to depart on April 29.

Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager Aftab Gilani stated that all facilities under the “Road to Makkah” project have been fully set up at Islamabad International Airport. Under this project, seven dedicated immigration counters have been established to streamline the immigration process for pilgrims.

Aftab Gilani further informed that a 45-member Saudi immigration delegation has arrived in Islamabad to participate in the Hajj operations, which will officially commence on April 29 in Islamabad and Karachi.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 50,500 pilgrims will travel from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia under the “Road to Makkah” initiative this year. Out of these, 29,000 pilgrims will depart via Islamabad International Airport.

Refund hope for 67,000 Pakistanis missing Hajj 2025 as official negligence exposed

Aftab Gilani added that 100 flights from Islamabad and 80 flights from Karachi will operate under the “Road to Makkah” project. As part of this initiative, Pakistani pilgrims will complete their immigration procedures in Pakistan before departure, eliminating the need for immigration checks upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.