24/7 helpline set up for Hajj flight information

Pilgrims go around the Kaaba as they perform Tawaf at the Grand Mosque, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2024. — Reuters

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established a dedicated helpline to assist Hajj pilgrims with updated information regarding their flight schedules on the directive of minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, pilgrims can call the helpline at 051-9216980 to obtain real-time updates and support related to their Hajj travel arrangements.

The helpline, operating under the supervision of Director IT Jameel-ur-Rehman, will function round-the-clock in two shifts to ensure uninterrupted assistance, he added.

He said that in the first shift Hafiz Majid will serve as the helpline in-charge and can be reached directly at +92-332-4509868. In addition, Assistant Director Malik Asad will lead the second shift and can be contacted at +92-321-5365023, he maintained.

Butt said pilgrims are also advised to stay in contact with their respective Haji camps for further coordination.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony on April 26 confirmed that all arrangements for the 2025 Hajj operation were completed. The first flight under the government scheme departed on April 29 and the last flight is scheduled for May 31.

A total of 342 flights will transport pilgrims from Pakistan, with 89,000 set to travel to Madina and Makkah, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The Hajj flight operation will span 33 days. Pilgrims will primarily be flown to Madina during the first 15 days.