The repatriation process for Pakistani pilgrims returning from Hajj 2025 is set to begin on June 10, with the first return flight departing from Jeddah at 11:50 PM. The flight, carrying 307 pilgrims, is scheduled to land in Islamabad at 3:00 AM.
A total of 342 flights are planned under the government’s Hajj scheme to bring back 88,390 Pakistani pilgrims by July 10.
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), along with other domestic and international carriers, will operate return flights to major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Karachi.
The first private airline return flight, transporting 148 pilgrims, is expected to land at Karachi Airport on June 11 at 1:00 PM. Sindh’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Riaz Hussain Shah, will receive the pilgrims upon arrival.
Hajj 2025 Overview: Record Participation and Enhanced Safety
This year’s Hajj saw participation from 1,673,230 pilgrims globally, including 1,506,576 international pilgrims from 171 countries. Saudi records show that 166,654 domestic pilgrims also took part, marking one of the most balanced gender ratios in Hajj history, with 877,841 men and 795,389 women.
Following the tragic death toll of 1,301 pilgrims during last year’s Hajj—largely due to extreme temperatures of up to 51.8°C (125°F)—Saudi authorities implemented extensive cooling strategies, including shaded rest areas, misting zones, and expanded medical services.
Increased security and tighter restrictions on unauthorized pilgrims helped reduce crowd density and ensure smoother rituals at holy sites such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
The General Authority for Statistics of Saudi Arabia confirmed that air travel remained the dominant mode of entry, with 1,435,017 pilgrims arriving by air, 66,465 via land, and 5,094 by sea.
Eid al-Adha Marks the End of Hajj
The conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage coincides with the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival commemorated through the ritual sacrifice of animals such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels.
As the repatriation process begins, both Pakistani and Saudi authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and efficient return for all pilgrims completing this sacred journey.
