Pakistan will launch the second phase of its Hajj operation on May 31 as the return of thousands of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia begins through a large-scale flight schedule arranged by the government.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the first return flight carrying 391 Pakistani pilgrims will depart from Jeddah on the night of May 31 and land in Sialkot. The arrival will mark the official start of the post-Hajj repatriation operation.

Officials said several flights have been scheduled for the opening days of the operation to ensure the smooth return of pilgrims to different cities across the country. On June 1 alone, a total of 22 flights will bring 5,237 Hajj pilgrims back to Pakistan.

The schedule includes five flights to Islamabad, four each to Karachi and Lahore, three each to Multan and Sialkot, two to Faisalabad and one flight to Quetta. Most of these flights are expected to land in Pakistan on June 1 according to local time.

The ministry stated that approximately 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will be transported home through a total of 471 flights during the entire operation. Authorities have finalized all logistical and administrative arrangements to ensure a comfortable return journey for the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, return flights from Madinah will begin on June 3, expanding the operation to include pilgrims staying in the holy city. The final phase of the Hajj flight operation is scheduled to conclude in Lahore on June 30.

Officials expressed confidence that the extensive planning and coordination efforts will help avoid delays and provide a smooth travel experience for all returning pilgrims.