KABUL: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs says more than 14,000 Afghan pilgrims have been transported to Medina, Saudi Arabia, as part of this year’s hajj operations.
In a statement on Sunday, the ministry confirmed that 14,293 pilgrims have so far arrived in Medina through 46 flights, with two additional flights from Herat, the transfer of pilgrims from the western zone is expected to be completed.
According to the statement, flights from Kandahar and Herat to Jeddah will begin on Monday, marking the next phase of the pilgrimage transport process.
Afghan pilgrims will first stay in Medina to perform 40 prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi before traveling to Mecca to complete Hajj rituals.
“To manage the operation, authorities have deployed around 300 staff members along with 150 Afghan residents in Saudi Arabia across various committees, including airport reception, transportation, accommodation, health services, and pilgrimage guidance,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, a delegation led by Mohammad Hamed Haseeb recently met with Faisal Tlaq Al-Baqmi, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador in Kabul, to discuss cooperation and coordination related to the hajj process.
Over 14,000 Afghan pilgrims arrive in Medina as hajj flights expand
