Pakistan to 'begin' Hajj 2026 operation on THIS date

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Hajj 2026 operation is scheduled to officially commence on 18 April, with the first flight carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia the same day, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In the initial phase, flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan, with full details of individual flights to be shared with pilgrims next week.

Under the Hajj 2026 scheme, a total of 468 flights will transport 119,000 pilgrims from Pakistan.

On the first day, four flights will depart for Medina, while flights to Jeddah are set to begin from 4 May. The final flight of the operation is scheduled for 21 May.

Hajj 2026 flights will operate from eight major cities across the country, including 129 flights from Islamabad, 124 from Karachi, 104 from Lahore, 34 from Multan, 26 from Sialkot, 23 from Faisalabad, 18 from Quetta, and five from Sukkur.

Authorities are finalising arrangements to ensure the operation is conducted in an organised and timely manner, providing smooth travel for all pilgrims.

Earlier in January, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony organised the second phase of the training session for Haj 2026 pilgrims at the Haji Camp in Islamabad.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson, the primary objective of this programme was to “provide comprehensive awareness regarding the various stages of the pilgrimage, necessary precautionary measures, and the obligatory acts (Faraiz and Wajibat) of Haj and Umrah,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

Haj, one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, is performed each year by millions of Muslims worldwide. Pakistan receives one of the highest Haj quotas from Saudi Arabia.

During the session, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Umar Butt, briefed the participants on administrative matters, departure procedures, and accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.