ISLAMABAD: As many as 1,080 pilgrims left for Hajj in four flights, including two from Islamabad and one each from Lahore and Quetta, as the national flag carrier began Hajj flight operations on Monday.

The statistics were shared by the Islamabad International Airport manager.

Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki on Monday bid farewell to the pilgrims on flight PK713 from Islamabad to Madina.

The religious affairs minister thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for reducing the Hajj expenses in spite of unfavourable conditions. He also paid tribute to the efforts of the Saudi ambassador regarding the immediate solution to the problems faced by the pilgrims.

The event was also attended by Islamabad International Airport, Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Security Force, Saudi officials associated with the ‘Road to Makkah’ project and more than 300 pilgrims.