Movement from Makkah to Mina:9-Hour Mission to Transfer 118,000 Pakistani Pilgrims in Three Phases Begins Sunday Evening

Makkah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) The Pakistan Hajj Mission has finalized a grand operational micro-plan to transport Hajj pilgrims from their residential buildings in Makkah to Mina for the formal commencement of the Hajj 2026 rituals, scheduled to begin tomorrow (Sunday) after Maghrib prayers. Utilizing a fleet of 1,750 modern buses, the 9-hour transit operation will guarantee a 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 Fajr prayer call on Monday morning.

Providing details of this mega-operation, Makkah Deputy Coordinator of Operations, Sadaqat Ali Awan, explained that the entire mission has been structured into three rapid shifts to prevent traffic congestion and safeguard pilgrims from exhaustion. The first phase will kick off immediately after Maghrib on Sunday evening, targeting the single largest 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 are inside Mina by the first call to dawn prayers. In contrast, pilgrims belonging to the Fiqh-e-Jafria will be transported directly to the plains of Arafat on the night of 8th Dhul-Hijjah in accordance with their specific rituals.

Sadaqat Ali Awan further highlighted that to protect pilgrims from the extreme and unusual heat with temperatures projected to soar up to 50°C the Pakistan Hajj Mission has introduced artificial intelligence (AI), animated videos, and an innovative "Nazim System" for the first time.

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Under this framework, a supervisor (Nazim) is assigned to every group of 188 pilgrims, remaining by their side from the initial move to Mina until the completion of their rituals and eventual return. He also assured that arrangements are complete to provide freshly prepared meals tailored to Pakistani tastes inside the Mina tents.

Outlining the subsequent phases, the Deputy Coordinator of Operations stated that on the evening of 8th Dhul-Hijjah, all pilgrims will travel to the plains of Arafat via bus and train networks. Pilgrims have been strictly instructed to remain inside their tents during the peak heat on 9th Dhul-Hijjah for the performance of Waqoof-e-Arafat (the pivotal rite of Hajj). From Arafat, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah at sunset, and the "Nazim System" will undergo its field test on the morning of 10th Dhul-Hijjah during the Ramy (stoning of the devil) ritual at Jamarat.

He concluded by announcing an excellent alternative option for the pilgrims: while a dedicated shuttle service to the Grand Mosque (Haram) will be available for Tawaf-e-Ziyarah after Ramy, pilgrims can also choose to return and rest in their original residential buildings in Makkah close to Jamarat instead of navigating the crowds of the Mina tents. These buildings will remain fully operational 24 hours a day with air conditioning and Pakistani support staff.