Pakistan has dismissed media reports suggesting that Hajj flights from the country could be suspended due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, assuring pilgrims that preparations for the annual pilgrimage are proceeding according to plan.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) said reports linking Pakistan’s Hajj flight operations to the regional conflict were incorrect. Officials emphasized that the arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims are continuing without interruption.
In an official statement, the ministry’s spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has rejected media reports claiming that the Hajj flight schedule may be suspended due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East.”
The spokesperson further described such reports as “baseless” and “misleading.”
Regional tensions affecting global aviation
The clarification comes as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which began on February 28, has disrupted several air routes across the Middle East. The tensions have forced airlines to cancel or reroute flights that normally use key aviation corridors in the region.
Despite these disruptions, Pakistani authorities say the Hajj operation remains on track.
Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousuf previously confirmed that preparations for this year’s pilgrimage have been finalized and that the first Hajj flight is expected to depart for Saudi Arabia on April 18.
Officials stressed that no decision has been taken to delay or cancel Hajj flights from Pakistan.
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Visa processing and preparations underway
According to the religious affairs ministry, the process of issuing Hajj visas for Pakistani pilgrims is already underway, while other administrative arrangements are being completed to ensure smooth travel for the pilgrims.
Authorities say the complete Hajj flight schedule will be released after Eid Al-Fitr once final operational details are confirmed.
At that stage, pilgrims will receive detailed information regarding their flight schedules, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and other logistical arrangements for the pilgrimage.
Officials say the government is working closely with Saudi authorities and airlines to ensure the pilgrimage process runs smoothly.
Pakistan preparing for large Hajj contingent
Pakistan is expected to send 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj this year, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Out of these, 119,210 pilgrims will travel under the government Hajj scheme, while approximately 60,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj through private tour operators.
Several airlines will operate the pilgrimage flights, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq also confirmed that preparations are complete and expressed optimism about the pilgrimage.
He said authorities in Pakistan and the Saudi-based Hajj mission had made all necessary arrangements and added that officials were “looking forward to a very good Hajj this year.”
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Authorities urge pilgrims to rely on official information
Officials have advised pilgrims to rely only on official announcements regarding Hajj travel arrangements and ignore rumors circulating on social media or unofficial platforms.
The ministry said it remains committed to ensuring a safe, organized and comfortable pilgrimage experience for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia this year.
