SUKKUR: The first Hajj flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) departed for Saudi Arabia via Karachi from Begum Nusrat Bhutto Airport in Sukkur on Monday.
Among those present to bid farewell to the pilgrims were Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Member of the National Assembly (MNA), along with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Auqaf, airport personnel, and the families of the pilgrims.
A total of 63 Hajj pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia from Sukkur via Karachi flight. Stringent security measures were in place, with passengers strictly prohibited from carrying items such as nail cutters, scissors, razors, lighters, toys with batteries, matches, power banks, cylinders, emergency lights, lanterns, and inflammable substances.
It’s noted that following the balloting for the government’s Hajj scheme in December of the previous year, officials reported that out of 69,438 applicants, 63,805 were successfully selected for the pilgrimage.
