Hajj Operation 2026 Nears Completion as Pilgrims Return from Saudi Arabia
The repatriation process of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims is continuing smoothly, with nearly 46% of pilgrims already returned safely to Pakistan, according to official sources reported by 24NewsHD TV.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Omar Butt, stated that the Hajj Operation 2026 has entered its final stage. He added that within the next 72 hours, field operations in Makkah will be completed, after which all remaining activities will be shifted to Madinah.
At present, around 55,000 Pakistani pilgrims under the government scheme are still in Saudi Arabia. Of these, approximately 28,000 are currently in Makkah and are being gradually transferred to Madinah, while about 27,000 pilgrims are in Madinah performing Ziyarat at Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) before their return journey to Pakistan.
Officials also confirmed that the supporting Hajj staff and administrative teams are being gradually reduced as operations wind down. So far, more than half of the medical teams and Hajj assistants have already returned to Pakistan, while the remaining personnel will stay until the final phase is completed.
According to the official schedule, the last Hajj flight from Jeddah is expected to depart on June 16, marking the end of operations in that city. The overall Hajj operation is likely to conclude by June 30 with the final return flight from Madinah.
Authorities say the entire process is progressing according to plan, with arrangements in place to ensure the safe and orderly return of all pilgrims.
