The national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has announced its operation prior to the HAJJ by 2025. The operation will begin on April 29 and continue until June 1.
During this period, the national airline will operate 280 special flights to transport more than 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, said Express News.
According to the sources, this year, 20,000 pilgrims will travel under the Government Hajj scheme, while 36,000 will travel under the private scheme, all through PIA flights. Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft will be used to guarantee a comfortable and organized trip.
The operation after the PIA HAJJ will begin on June 12 and will continue until July 10, during which flights will be organized to recover the returning pilgrims. A coordinated flight system will be established to guarantee soft operations.
The authorities have declared that special arrangements have been made to ensure that all flights are completed in time and safely, and to provide all possible facilities to avoid any inconvenience for pilgrims.
Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif realized the reduction in the Hajj private quota for this year, which left thousands of Pakistani unable to perform the Hayy under the private scheme.
The Prime Minister directed an immediate investigation into the matter and established a committee of three members responsible for identifying the responsible parties within three days.
The investigation follows the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the failure of interreligious harmony to ensure the private quota of Hajj of Saudi Arabia by 2025 despite the timely fulfillment of the necessary procedures.
