The first Hajj flight of the year, AirSial Flight PF-7700, departed from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport for Madina on Tuesday, carrying 150 pilgrims.

Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, Khawaja Salman Rafique, bid farewell to the pilgrims during a ceremonial event attended by several senior officials, including Director Hajj Rizwan Sharif, Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) Chief Operating Officer Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad, and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Punjab Regional Directorate Commander Brigadier Sikandar.

In his address, Rafique expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to send off the esteemed pilgrims, a responsibility entrusted to him by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He praised the Punjab leadership for their efforts in facilitating the Hajj operation and acknowledged the cooperation of the airport management, Airport Security Force (ASF), Customs, FIA, AirSial, and other officials in ensuring smooth arrangements.

The health minister described Hajj as a profound spiritual blessing and urged pilgrims to cherish their time in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

He emphasized the importance of praying for personal well-being, the prosperity of Pakistan, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

Also, he reminded pilgrims to purify their hearts and follow Saudi regulations during their visit to the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque.

Director Hajj Rizwan Sharif noted that special arrangements had been made for this year’s pilgrims and stressed the importance of adhering to the host country’s laws.

He mentioned that informational literature would be provided to guide pilgrims throughout their journey and extended his best wishes to all departing pilgrims.

Chaudhary Nazir Ahmad highlighted the comprehensive facilities available for Hajj pilgrims. He announced a significant development for the future, stating, “Next year, we plan to launch the ‘Road to Makkah’ project at Lahore Airport, which will further streamline immigration procedures for pilgrims.” He also conveyed his best wishes for a sacred journey.

Punjab’s Brigadier Sikandar congratulated the pilgrims and assured them that extensive efforts had been made by all airport departments to facilitate their departure.

He advised pilgrims to remain vigilant, avoid unsolicited offers, and refrain from accepting free items from unknown sources as part of the ANF’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Later in the day, a second Hajj flight from Lahore, carrying 350 additional pilgrims, is scheduled to depart for Madina.

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