Business Recorder
Pakistan directed on Saturday airport authorities and airlines to ensure strict compliance of the minimum age limit set by Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrims. Earlier, Saudi Arabia announced an immediate age restriction for Hajj pilgrims, under which no pilgrim under the age of 15 years (as of 27 May 2026, corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447H – Day of Arafat) will be permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. The restriction will take effect from May 3. “All relevant authorities at Pakistani airports, including immigration, have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. No pilgrim under the age of 15 years will be allowed to board Hajj flights, and such visas shall be treated as canceled under this policy,” as per the notification. The Saudi authorities further conveyed that affected pilgrims may opt to cancel their Hajj journey and will be entitled to a full refund of the amount deposited. “All airlines and Hajj operators are advised to immediately disseminate this information and ensure full compliance with the directive.” As many as 119,000 pilgrims from Pakistan will be taken to Medina and Makkah under the government scheme. About 67,230 male pilgrims will be taken to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme while 51,846 female pilgrims will go to the Holy Hijaz. As many as 129 flights will operate from Islamabad, 124 from Karachi and 104 from Lahore. About 18 flights will depart from Quetta, 34 from Multan and 26 from Sialkot. 23 flights from Faisalabad and five flights from Sukkur will take pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Go to News Site