20000322

1,864 pilgrims

return home

ISLAMABAD: With the start of post Haj flights on Monday, 1,864 pilgrims have returned home from Jeddah after performing Haj-2000.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Dr. Abdul Malik Kasi greeted the pilgrims at Islamabad airport where they were profusely garlanded on arrival. Senior officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, PIA and CAA officials, besides large number of relatives and friends of the pilgrims were present at the airport to receive them.

The post Haj operation would culminate on April 14 with the return of over 0.1 million pilgrims hailing from all over the country. Two flights have so far reached Islamabad, one each at Karachi, Lahore and Multan on Monday.

The pilgrims looking hale and hearty appreciated the arrangements made for their comfort and stay at Makkah and Madina besides tentage facility at Mina which were 100 percent air-conditioned and fire-proof.

The minister who also returned home on Monday after performing Haj, said that Haj arrangements this time were very good and particularly thanked the Saudi Arabian authorities for excellent arrangements and active co-opoeration.

PIA district manager, Zahid Afridi has appealed the public not to crowd the airport to receive their relatives and friends because it hindered the smooth arrangements made for the convenience and early clearance of the pilgrims.ÑAPP