ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The first Hajj flight from Islamabad departed for Madinah on Sunday under the Road to Makkah initiative, carrying 270 pilgrims.
The flight, operated by a foreign airline, left Islamabad at 11am, marking the beginning of Hajj 2026 operations from the capital.
A send-off ceremony was held at the airport, attended by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who extended his best wishes to the departing pilgrims. Saudi Deputy Head of Mission Mohammad Al Ali and Joint Secretary Hajj Muhammad Bakhsh Sangi were also present on the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf described the Road to Makkah initiative as a revolutionary facility for pilgrims, adding that the departure of the first flight marked a memorable moment for all those embarking on the sacred journey.
He also paid tribute to King Salman and Mohammed bin Salman for their services in facilitating Hajj pilgrims.
The minister said around 36,000 pilgrims from Islamabad and 29,800 from Karachi will benefit from the initiative. He added that comprehensive guidance will be provided to pilgrims in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
He further announced that each pilgrim will receive a free Saudi SIM card upon arrival, while a trained supervisor will be assigned for every group of 188 pilgrims. Overall, about 80% of Pakistani pilgrims will benefit from the Road to Makkah facility this year.
In total, approximately 95,800 pilgrims from Pakistan are expected to avail the facility, including 30,000 pilgrims from Lahore, who will benefit from the initiative for the first time.