Pakistan’s pre hajj flight operation to conclude today

MAKKAH: Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operation will conclude today as over 87,000 pilgrims have landed in Saudi Arabia so far under the government scheme, while 21,984 pilgrims have reached under the private scheme.

Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ata ur Rehman said only five flights are left for today, which are scheduled from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to bring the remaining pilgrims to Makkah.

The Secretary noted that historic arrangements are being made, and the facilities available to the pilgrims are luxurious.

He stated that traditional mattresses had been replaced with sofa-cum-beds, and air conditioners had been put alongside existing air coolers. Elevated baggage storage racks and shoe racks have also been added to improve comfort.

Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman praised the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that pilgrims had a fulfilling experience.

To a query, he asked the Hujjaj to protect the national image throughout this spiritual journey by rigorously adhering to Saudi rules, which are established to ensure the smooth operation of Hajj.

Earlier, Saudi Arabian officials had issued a heat warning just before the start of this year‘s Hajj, indicating that pilgrims may experience very high temperatures up to 47°C.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) cautioned that the holy sites are likely to endure very hot conditions. Temperatures are expected to be between 40 °C and 47 °C during the day and likely to be between 27 °C and 32 °C overnight.

Humidity levels are forecasted to be between 15% and 60%. Dr. Ayman Ghulam, CEO of NCM, explained that winds from the south and southwest at 25 to 35 km/h may cause dust plumes, which may affect visibility in the open and on highways.