Hajj 2025: Over 81,000 Govt-Sponsored Pakistani Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia

Over 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims under the government’s Hajj scheme have reached Saudi Arabia ahead of Hajj 2025, reported on Thursday, citing the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, a total of 81,950 government-sponsored pilgrims have landed in Saudi Arabia through 319 Hajj flights so far. The Hajj 2025 flight operations from Pakistan are set to continue until May 31, with the movement of pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah also expected to carry on until the same date.

Preparations for accommodations in Mina and Arafat have entered the final stages. The Ministry confirmed that a comprehensive operational strategy has been prepared in collaboration with relevant Hajj establishments (Maktabs) to streamline the pilgrims’ movement during the sacred days of Hajj 2025.

In anticipation of extreme weather conditions, Saudi authorities have issued special safety guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of all pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Interior earlier announced tough penalties against those attempting to perform Hajj without official authorization. The enforcement of these measures began from the first of Dhul-Qi’dah and will remain in place until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Under these regulations, anyone caught performing or attempting Hajj without a valid permit could face fines of up to SAR 20,000. The same penalty also applies to holders of visit visas entering or staying in Makkah or holy sites without proper permission during the restricted period.