Hajj pilgrims to start returning from June 20 as Tashreeq days conclude

Muslims from around the world who gathered for the Hajj pilgrimage will begin departing from Saudi Arabia on June 20 after completing the rituals at the Kaaba and concluding the three-day Tashreeq ritual.

Following the Hajj rituals, pilgrims headed towards Makkah after finishing Rami al-Jamarat, the symbolic stoning of the devil, in Mina during the final days of the pilgrimage. Before returning to their residences, they performed the farewell circumambulation, known as "tawaf."

Local pilgrims have also started departing for cities such as Jeddah, Makkah, Taif, Madinah, Riyadh, and others. Many pilgrims will visit Madinah after reaching their residences in Makkah to pray at Masjid-e-Nabawi and pay their respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH). They will also visit other holy sites in Madinah, including Masjid-e-Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatain, and Sab'ah mosques.

It is estimated that nearly 20% of Hajj pilgrims will stay in Mina and return to their residences after completing Rami.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced its flight operations to bring back pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, starting on June 20. The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan stated that a total of 259 special flights were operated to transport over 68,000 pilgrims registered under the government scheme for one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires all Muslims with the means to perform it at least once. This year's Hajj drew around 1.8 million pilgrims, with 1.6 million coming from abroad, according to Saudi authorities.