In a fervent start to the Hajj season, the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul-Aziz International Airport, also known as Madina Airport, witnessed a bustling scene on Thursday as it welcomed 2,160 intending Hajj pilgrims from various major cities of Pakistan. The arrival marked the commencement of the sacred journey for these pilgrims to the holy land.
The pilgrims were greeted with warmth and hospitality by a delegation of officials, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Director General of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, and Consul General Khalid Mehmood. Among other dignitaries present were Director of Hajj in Madinah Zia-ur-Rehman, Director of Facilitation and Coordination Ahmed Nadeem Khan, Director Moavineen Asghar Yusufza, and Director Hajj Medical Mission Brigadier Jamil Lakhiar.
Filled with excitement and devotion, these pilgrims, who have dedicated years in preparation for this moment, set foot in the Prophet’s city, marking the beginning of their Hajj pilgrimage. Over three million pilgrims from around the world, including 179,210 Pakistanis, are expected to converge on the holy cities to perform the sacred rituals of Hajj.
Upon arrival, the pilgrims were swiftly transported to residential buildings in Markazia, a mere 15-20 minutes away from the revered Masjid e Nabvi and Roza-e-Rasool (SAW), via luxurious buses.
Over the next few days, the pilgrims will immerse themselves in spiritual activities in Madinah, visiting holy sites and preparing for the profound journey ahead.
Following their stay in Madinah, the pilgrims will proceed to Makkah, where they will fulfill other obligatory acts of Hajj, commencing on the 8th of Zilhajj. This includes the circumambulation of the Ka’aba and the symbolic stoning of the devil.
Notably, during the initial 15 days of the pre-Hajj flight operation, all flights will operate from various cities in Pakistan to Madinah until May 23rd. Subsequently, flights will land at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah until the conclusion of the pre-Hajj flight operation.
The atmosphere at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul-Aziz International Airport reflects the anticipation and reverence shared by millions embarking on this sacred journey, underscoring the significance of Hajj in the hearts of Muslims worldwide.
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