More than 48,000 pilgrims from Pakistan have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year, marking the beginning of one of the largest annual spiritual gatherings in the world. According to official figures, around 38,584 Pakistani pilgrims are currently staying in Makkah, where they are preparing for Friday prayers at the holy Grand Mosque.
Pakistan remains one of the biggest contributors of Hajj pilgrims globally. For 2026, the country has been allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims. Out of this number, approximately 119,000 people are traveling under the government Hajj scheme, while the remaining pilgrims are performing Hajj through private tour operators and travel arrangements.
A large number of pilgrims are traveling under the Route to Makkah Initiative, a special facility introduced to simplify the journey for pilgrims. Under this system, immigration and customs procedures are completed at airports in Pakistan before departure. This allows pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia and travel directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah without lengthy processing at Saudi airports. The initiative has significantly improved convenience, reduced waiting times, and made travel smoother for thousands of pilgrims.
Flight operations carrying Pakistani pilgrims are expected to continue until May 21, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage scheduled for the last week of May. Authorities in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are coordinating closely to ensure proper accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and security arrangements for all pilgrims.
For many Pakistanis, performing Hajj is a lifelong dream and a deeply emotional spiritual journey. Families across the country continue to pray for the safe travel and successful pilgrimage of loved ones participating in this sacred religious obligation.
