88,462 Pakistani intending pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia; Two Die
By Shoaib Jabbar 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: As many as 88,462 intending pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia till todate since start of the pre-Haj operation on November 25, to airlift about 150,000 pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Spokesman and Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Religious Affairs, Khawas Khan Niazi said here on Friday that of them, 74,841 were airlifted to Jeddah and 13,621 to Madina.

He said about 4,750 pilgrims were expected to fly to Saudi Arabia on Saturday by 18 flights.

Giving details, he said around 1,100 will depart from the Federal Capital via three flights, about 1,000 from Karachi in five flights, about 1,050 from Lahore in three flights, about 800 from Peshawar in three flights, about 300 from Quetta in one flight, about 110 from Multan in one flight and about 200 from Faisalabad in one flight.

One special Hajj flight will operate from Sukkur with about 110 pilgrims on board.

The Dead

Khawas Khan Niazi informed that the Hajj Directorate, Makkah has reported the death of two more pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Mst. Sabira Bibi wife of Muhammad Ali, Passport No.769689, age 70 years from Lahore expired at Makkah owing to CVA+HTN.

Another pilgrim, Abdul Razzaq son of Mola Dad, Passport No.286953, age 80 years from Pishin expired at Makkah on account of A.C.S. Both the deceased were buried in Sharayah Graveyard, Makkah.

He said as many as 20 pilgrims have so far expired in Saudi Arabia before performance of Hajj.●