ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has decided to provide free mobile SIM cards in Saudi Arabia as an important facility for Hajj 2026 pilgrims, which will significantly improve communication facilities during Hajj.
According to the details, an excellent arrangement has been made for pilgrims to facilitate communication during Hajj this time. All Pakistani pilgrims will be provided with SIM cards free of charge at the official level upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
According to the officials, under the long package, pilgrims will be given 600 minutes and 40 GB of internet data free of charge, while the short package will provide 300 minutes and 25 GB of internet data.
The facility of local and international calls will also be available through the SIM card, so that pilgrims can contact their loved ones at any time.
The government has instructed that no other SIM should be purchased apart from the SIM.
Moreover, only one official SIM will be issued per passport; if an additional SIM is taken, the official SIM may be blocked.
It has been further stated that mobile recharge codes will be provided for pilgrims at their residences and there will also be a recharge facility in case the balance runs out.
Pre-Hajj flight schedule announced
The Pakistan Airports Authority has finalized the pre-Hajj flight schedule from Lahore Airport, with a total of 101 flights planned under the operation.
According to officials, multiple airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, AirSial, and Saudi Arabian Airlines, will participate in the pre-Hajj operations.
The airlines will operate the following flights, with PIA providing 33 flights, Saudi Airlines offering 29 flights, Airblue supplying 24 flights, and AirSial delivering 15 flights.
The first Hajj flight is scheduled to depart on April 18, when a Saudi Airlines flight will leave Lahore for Madinah.
Authorities confirmed that all arrangements for the pre-Hajj operation have been completed to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims. The final pre-Hajj flight from Lahore is expected to depart on May 21, 2026.
