ISLAMABAD: The month-long post-Hajj flight operation started on Sunday to bring back 143,368 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj.

According to spokesman of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Pakistani Hajis have started returning home as soon as the Manasik Hajj ended in Saudi Arabia.

The first hajj flight carrying over 300 Hujjaj has already landed in Lahore. The operation would be completed on October 28.

He hoped that the post-Hajj flight operation would be completed within the prescribed time. “The successful and timely completion of pre and post-Hajj flights operation would be a big achievement of the ministry,” he added.

Meanwhile, PIA is also due to begin its post-Hajj flight operation from Sunday night and the first flight is expected to land in Lahore at 1:00 AM (Monday). And a contingent of 170 seasonal staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs has also been deployed at the facilitation desks for the guidance of pilgrims.

Yet another 1,475 welfare staff, including 330 Muaveeneen, 625 Hajj medical missions, 350 volunteer Muaveeneen and 170 Seasonal Duty Staff had also served the Hujjaj during the Hajj days. He said Rs 500,000 would be paid to the heirs of dead Haji, Rs 50,000 to accidental disability of one limb, Rs 100,000 in case of permanent disablement of more than one limb, Rs 300,000 in case of emergency evacuation due to illness.—APP