ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2026 (APP): Nearly 96 per cent of Pakistani pilgrims travelling under the government Hajj scheme have reached the holy cities in Saudi Arabia, as the country’s Hajj flight operation entered its final phase on Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 114,078 pilgrims have arrived through the Route to Makkah initiative and other scheduled flights, while the remaining 4,756 pilgrims are expected to reach Saudi Arabia through 10 final flights by Thursday night.

The ministry said the movement of all pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah has also been completed, bringing the total number of Pakistani pilgrims currently stationed in Makkah to 114,078.

Ministry spokesperson Umar Butt said 1,520 welfare officers and related staff, along with 947 local assistants, are working round the clock to facilitate pilgrims during Hajj operations.

He said 490 buses have been hired in Makkah to support pilgrims’ transport and ensure smooth movement between key locations.

The Pakistan Hajj Mission said 23,823 pilgrims have so far been guided on routes to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, while 42,858 pilgrims have been facilitated for visits to Riaz-ul-Jannah in Madinah.

The ministry said healthcare services are also being provided through dedicated mission clinics and dispensaries in Makkah and Madinah. So far, 86,924 patients have visited outpatient departments for medical assistance.

The grievance redressal cell and Lost & Found department are also operational. Out of 2,118 complaints related to accommodation, catering and transport, 1,629 have been resolved.

The mission has also recovered and returned 6,820 missing baggage items and wheelchairs out of 6,845 reported lost.