ISLAMABAD: At least 18 Pakistani pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage, according to sources from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The deceased include 10 men and 8 women. The most of the pilgrims who passed away were elderly, with causes of death reported as heart attacks and other health-related complications.

All of the deceased were laid to rest in Jannat al-Baqi cemetery, the sources added.

In comparison, 35 Pakistani pilgrims passed away during last year’s Hajj.

Earleir, first Hajj flight arrived in Islamabad from the holy land of Hijaz, according to Aftab Gillani, Airport Manager at Islamabad International Airport.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-732 landed from Jeddah carrying 340 pilgrims. The flight touched down at 3:12 AM.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with the Additional Director and Director of Hajj from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as the Airport Manager, warmly received the returning pilgrims at the airport.

According to Aftab Gilani the post-Hajj operation is scheduled to continue until July 10. The flights for returning pilgrims from Madinah will also start arriving in Islamabad after one week.

During this month long operation over 30,000 pilgrims are expected to return to Islamabad. All arrangements for the post-Hajj operation have been completed at Islamabad International Airport.