Makkah: Around 1.8 million pilgrims will begin moving towards Mina from today after Maghrib prayers.
According to Radio Pakistan, correspondent Asad Ullah Khan reports from Makkah that the Pakistan Hajj Mission has finalized a comprehensive operation to transport Hajj pilgrims from their residential buildings in Makkah to Mina. The pilgrims will put on Ihram at their accommodations before departing for Mina this evening. They will remain in Ihram throughout the Hajj days and will remove it after shaving their heads upon completion of the Hajj rituals.
A fleet of 1,750 modern buses has been arranged, and the 9-hour transit operation will ensure seat-to-seat transfer for every pilgrim. The objective is to safely settle all 118,000 Pakistani pilgrims into their designated tents in Mina by the Fajar prayer call tomorrow. The entire operation has been structured into three shifts to prevent traffic congestion and safeguard pilgrims from exhaustion. The first phase will begin immediately after Maghrib this evening, targeting the movement of 70,000 pilgrims in the opening shift. The second shift will depart Makkah at 11:00 PM, followed by the third and final shift at 4:00 AM, ensuring that all 118,000 pilgrims reach Mina by the first call to dawn prayers.
Pakistan Hajj Mission has introduced artificial intelligence-based animated videos and an innovative 'Nazim System' for the first time. Arrangements have been completed to provide freshly prepared meals tailored to Pakistani tastes inside the Mina tents. On the evening of 8th Zil Hajj, all pilgrims will travel to the plains of Arafat either on foot, by bus, or via train networks.
Source: Radio Pakistan