ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Hajj operation for this year is gathering pace, with more than 35,000 pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia under the government scheme, an official said on Tuesday.

According to the Coordinator of Facilitation and Coordination, Nasir Aziz Khan, a total of 35,135 pilgrims have reached the kingdom so far via 137 flights, reported APP.

Of these, 21,063 are currently in Makkah, while 14,072 are in Medina, according to the report.

Authorities have deployed 948 welfare staff and Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj across key locations to assist pilgrims from arrival at airports to their accommodation, part of efforts to streamline logistics for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

The deployment of welfare staff is being finalized to further facilitate pilgrims, the report said.

The staff includes 598 Moavineen (helpers), 184 medical personnel and 158 Khuddam, all operating in shifts around the clock, Khan said, adding that teams were on “high alert 24/7” to support pilgrims.

According to the Consolidated Daily Situation Report, medical assistance has been provided to 6,613 outpatients at hospitals and dispensaries in Makkah and Medina.

It added that in Makkah, guidance services helped 6,525 pilgrims reach their destinations, while in Madinah, 15,462 pilgrims have completed their visit to Riaz-ul-Jannah.

“The mission successfully resolved 2,815 out of 2,832 requests regarding lost luggage in Medina, ensuring the belongings were returned to the pilgrims,” as per the report.

Khan reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to provide the “best travel and residential facilities.”

He said the primary goal is to ensure pilgrims can focus entirely on performing their Hajj rituals with peace of mind.

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Pakistan Hajj operation accelerates as thousands of pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia