PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution demanding the federal government immediately initiate direct Hajj flights from Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA) for pilgrims under the Government Hajj Scheme.
The move aims to alleviate the severe logistical and financial burdens currently faced by thousands of pilgrims from across the province.
Ending Travel Hardships for Pilgrims
Government Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Abdul Salam Afridi moved the resolution during the assembly session.
Currently, citizens from various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must travel to airports in other provinces to depart for Saudi Arabia. This detour results in:
- Increased Travel Costs: Additional expenses for domestic transport and lodging.
- Physical Exhaustion: Long journeys to cities like Islamabad or Karachi before the international flight even begins.
- Resource Inefficiency: Unnecessary wastage of time for both pilgrims and their families.
Strategic Benefits of Direct Flights
The resolution stated that restoring or starting direct operations from Peshawar would streamline the entire Hajj process.
“Initiating direct flights from Bacha Khan International Airport will not only provide immense convenience to the pilgrims but also ensure the efficient use of time and resources,” the resolution stated.
A Formal Call to the Federal Government
The KP Assembly has formally urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to take immediate action. Assembly members voiced strong support for the resolution, noting that direct flights would provide massive relief to the public and make Hajj arrangements more effective and citizen-centric.
By centralizing departures within the province, the provincial leadership believes they can better manage the welfare of their residents during the sacred pilgrimage.
