Hajj 2025: 397 Pilgrims Depart Karachi with PIA

In a moment filled with deep spirituality and emotion, 397 Pakistani pilgrims departed from Karachi today for Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj 2025, marking the start of this year’s sacred journey under the official government Hajj scheme. The flight, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), took off from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, with high hopes, prayers, and teary farewells.

• 397 pilgrims flew to Saudi Arabia from Karachi aboard a special PIA Hajj flight.

• This marks the beginning of the official Hajj 2025 operations in Pakistan.

• The government has ensured foolproof arrangements, including immigration counters, health checks, and special assistance for the elderly.

• Religious officials and PIA management were present at the airport to see off the pilgrims.

• Pilgrims were given comprehensive briefings, Ihram kits, and Hajj guides.

• Special prayers were offered for a safe journey, acceptance of Hajj, and peace in the Muslim world.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

Each year, millions of Muslims from around the globe travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in this profound spiritual journey. It involves:

• Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba.

• Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

• Standing at Arafat (the most critical rite).

• Symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina.

• Animal sacrifice and days of prayer, reflection, and unity.

• Flight Operator: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

• Departure City: Karachi

• Destination: Jeddah (for onward journey to Makkah)

• Flight Duration: Approximately 5 hours

• Number of Pilgrims: 397

• Flight Type: Special Hajj Flight under Government Scheme

• Date: May 2, 2025

Jinnah International Airport witnessed emotional scenes as friends and family bid farewell to their loved ones embarking on this spiritual mission. Pilgrims were seen:

• Hugging family members.

• Shedding tears of joy and gratitude.

• Offering duas (prayers) before boarding.

• Chanting Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, the traditional Hajj prayer.

The airport management created dedicated zones for Hajj pilgrims to ensure a smooth boarding process and a spiritual environment.

Out of the 397 pilgrims, many were elderly and needed special assistance. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and PIA had deployed volunteers and trained staff to:

• Help with wheelchair access.

• Assist in boarding and de-boarding.

• Provide in-flight medical support.

"This is my first Hajj at the age of 72. I am so grateful to the government and PIA for making this journey possible," said one elderly pilgrim before boarding.

Today’s flight is the first of many scheduled under the Hajj 2025 operation. The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed:

• Total Hajj flights from Pakistan: Over 400

• Pilgrims expected this year from Pakistan: Approx. 179,000

• Flights to depart from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, and Quetta

• The last Hajj flight will depart by the end of May 2025

PIA spokesperson stated:

“We are honored to serve the guests of Allah. All PIA staff are on high alert to ensure that each pilgrim experiences comfort, care, and peace of mind from check-in to landing.”

Ministry of Religious Affairs representative added:

“Our goal is to serve the pilgrims with sincerity. The first flight is always special. We have taken steps to provide full support at every stage.”

The departure of the first Hajj flight from Karachi is not just a travel story — it’s the start of a sacred journey, full of prayers, sacrifice, and spiritual cleansing.

As the 397 pilgrims fly toward the holy land, millions of Pakistanis back home watch with respect and pray for:

• Their safe return.

• Their successful Hajj.

• Their prayers to be accepted.

May Allah accept their Hajj, ease their journey, and return them with renewed faith and peace. Ameen.