ISLAMABAD: Religious affairs ministry of Pakistan announced on Wednesday that it has approved visas for 120,000 Hajj pilgrims under the government scheme, adding that the Hajj flight operation will begin as per schedule from Apr. 18.
The announcement comes following reports on social media about delays in Pakistan’s Hajj schedule amid flight disruptions in the Middle East due to the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran. Tehran’s retaliatory strikes against Gulf countries with US bases in the region have disrupted key air corridors since Feb. 28.
Around 179,210 pilgrims from Pakistan will perform Hajj this year, according to the religious ministry. Of these, around 120,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while the rest will go through private tour operators.
Multiple airlines, including the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudia Airlines will operate Hajj flights back and forth from Saudi Arabia.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has achieved a major milestone for Hajj 2026, as visas for 120,000 pilgrims selected under the government scheme have been approved, followed by the announcement of the regular Hajj flight schedule,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) said in a statement.
