Pakistani pilgrims laud Saudi Arabia for ‘impressive' Hajj arrangements

Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the annual pilgrimage. Photo Courtesy: Harmain
Listen to article
Pakistani pilgrims on Saturday lauded the Saudi government for its 'impressive' arrangements during this year's Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said, as Muslims across Pakistan and the world celebrated Eid al-Adha.
Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year under government and private schemes to perform the annual pilgrimage.
'I had a very good Hajj experience,' said Nadia Sarfaraz, a pilgrim from Karachi. 'Everything went smoothly and we have no complaints against anyone. The Saudi government is providing support here and our own government is helping a lot too.'
To Arafat!
Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik! pic.twitter.com/11UKO92PE7 — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 5, 2025
Rabia Babar, a pilgrim from Islamabad, praised the facilitation of pilgrims, particularly women, highlighting the separate lifts and fully carpeted areas in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night.
This year's Hajj saw heightened security and measures to combat illicit pilgrims, along with various heat mitigation efforts that resulted in smaller crowds at the holy sites in Makkah and surrounding areas.
'There were coolers and drinking water available everywhere,' Babar said. 'They had large refrigerators and provided water bottles and even shower facilities.'
Faraz Latif, a pilgrim from Quetta, commended both the Pakistani and Saudi governments for the arrangements, urging fellow pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and embrace patience during and beyond Hajj.
His Highness The Emir of Madinah performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Masjid Al Nabawi. pic.twitter.com/IEUOoUhF6U — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 6, 2025
'It will help you not just during Hajj but throughout your life,' he said.
The first Pakistani flight carrying Hajj pilgrims back home is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on June 11.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Express Tribune

6 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Bomb threat diverts plane of hajj pilgrims in Indonesia, second in days

This handout photo taken and released on June 21, 2025 by Indonesian Air Force s Quick Reaction Forces Command (KOPASGAT) shows a military serviceman (front 2nd R) riding on a tug pulling luggage near a Saudia aircraft at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, after the plane was diverted following a bomb threat. Photo: AFP Listen to article A plane carrying hundreds of hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted Saturday after a bomb threat, the transport ministry and police said, the second such incident in a week. Saudia Airlines flight SV5688 had flown from the Saudi city of Jeddah to the Omani capital Muscat before travelling on to Indonesia where it was due to land in Surabaya, a city on the main island Java. But air traffic control officers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call about a bomb threat for the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan city Saturday morning, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said. Read More: Domestic Indian flight makes emergency landing in Nagpur after bomb threat Regional airport authority head Asri Santosa said in a statement officers were checking the plane after its arrival but the airport on Sumatra island remained operational. All 376 passengers, hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were safe at the airport, North Sumatra police spokesman Ferry Walintukan told AFP. He said a bomb squad was deployed to sweep the aircraft. The passengers are due to resume their journey on Sunday, said Asri. On Tuesday a plane carrying 442 hajj pilgrims back from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after an email bomb threat was sent to authorities.

Business Recorder

18 hours ago

• Business Recorder

PIA brings 121 nationals from Iran

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully completed its second special rescue flight on Friday, bringing 121 Pakistani nationals safely home from Iran via Azerbaijan's capital city Baku. According to PIA spokesman, the special flight PK-7160 landed at Lahore airport at 3:40 PM, carrying passengers who had been stranded in Iran due to recent airspace restrictions that affected normal flight operations. Due to the closure of Iranian airspace, the stranded Pakistani citizens were required to travel overland to Baku, Azerbaijan, where they boarded the PIA rescue flight for their journey home to Pakistan. The complex evacuation operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Pakistani diplomatic missions in both Iran and Azerbaijan, who played crucial roles in facilitating the safe passage of citizens to the departure point in Baku. The special flight was dispatched on direct instructions from the Government of Pakistan, demonstrating the state's commitment to ensuring the welfare of its citizens abroad during challenging circumstances, he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Express Tribune

21 hours ago

• Express Tribune

PIA flight brings back 121 Pakistanis from Iran

A second special repatriation flight of PIA successfully brought back 121 Pakistani nationals who had been stranded in Iran due to the ongoing regional crisis. According to a PIA spokesperson, flight PK-7160 landed at Lahore airport at 3:40 pm on Friday, carrying the evacuees who had first travelled by land to Baku, Azerbaijan, as Iranian airspace remains closed amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, in light of ongoing regional developments, the flow of individuals returning to Pakistan from Iran continues through the Taftan border crossing. According to official data released by the Chaghi district administration, 1,814 people entered Pakistan from Iran within a single day on Friday. The incoming individuals comprised various categories, including 428 religious pilgrims, 655 students, 566 tourists, 160 deportees, and 5 foreign nationals. Authorities noted that a small number of travelers — 112 tourists and 24 students — arrived during nighttime hours, suggesting a steady movement throughout the day and night. District officials have confirmed that comprehensive arrangements have been made to accommodate all arrivals, including health screenings, temporary lodging, and transport assistance.