The pre`-Hajj flight operation by PIA comes to an end.

On May 9, Pakistan launched its Hajj flying service for travelers who would make the journey as part of the government’s program.

In all, 171 aircraft carried 35,030 pilgrims on their way to the sacred pilgrimage, according to a statement from PIA. “These flights carried about 19,500 official pilgrims, 14,900 private pilgrims, and 630 pilgrims who were traveling to Madinah and Jeddah.”

While pilgrims from Sukkur and Quetta traveled via Karachi to Jeddah, Hajj planes from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar departed immediately.

There are 179,210 pilgrims allotted to Pakistan for the Hajj this year; approximately 70,000 of them are anticipated to travel through official government programs, with the other pilgrims using private tour companies.

Commencing on June 20 and lasting until July 21 is PIA’s post-Hajj operation.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, the Hajj is a holy journey. Performing the Hajj at Makkah, Saudi Arabia, each year is a pilgrimage for millions of Muslims worldwide.