The return of Afghan pilgrims from Saudi Arabia successfully concluded

14th of Muharram al-Haram 1447 AH, corresponding to 19th of Saratan 1404 AH

The process of returning Afghan pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, which continued regularly after the completion of the Hajj rituals, successfully concluded today. The last flight of this process was carried out today by Ariana Afghan Airlines, during which 189 Afghan pilgrims returned to the country.

A ceremony was held at the Central Hajj Zone in Kabul to mark the arrival of the last flight of Afghan pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.

In this ceremony, the Minister of MOHIA, along with deputies from this ministry, the deputy of the Ministry of Interior, the deputy of the Ministry of Information and Culture, central ministry heads, representatives from Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, officials from Kabul International Airport, and the esteemed pilgrims who arrived on this last flight participated.
The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Then, Sheikh al-Hadith Dr. Noor Muhammad Saqib, Minister of MOHIA, welcomed the participants and stated:
"This year, with the help of Allah Almighty, we were able to transfer (30) thousand pilgrims from Afghanistan to Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj through 97 flights operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air. After the completion of the Hajj rituals, the return process for the pilgrims began, and all Afghan pilgrims returned to the country safely and soundly."

He added that this was a divine victory for Afghan pilgrims, as they were completely transported to the Holy Sanctuaries and benefited from the blessed opportunity to perform the Hajj ritual. He noted that some other countries were unable to transport all their pilgrims. He further stated that this year, suitable services in areas such as accommodation, transportation, nutrition, health, and others were provided by the Ministry of MOHIA in Mecca and Medina so that the esteemed pilgrims could perform their rituals in a calm and appropriate environment.

He also mentioned that during this year's Hajj season, due to illness, old age, and traffic accidents, 18 Afghan pilgrims passed away, which is a decrease compared to other countries and previous years.

Mr. Saqib added that this year's pilgrims were satisfied and pleased with the services provided, and efforts will be made to offer better services in future years.
At the end of his speech, he sincerely thanked Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, relevant departments of the Islamic Emirate, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their cooperation in facilitating and improving service conditions for Afghan pilgrims.
Following him, Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari, Deputy Minister of Interior, also spoke. He stated that the Ministry of Interior has always worked to ensure the security of Afghan pilgrims and that pilgrims returned safely to their homes in all provinces of the country.
Other participants at this ceremony expressed their happiness that Afghan pilgrims returned to the country healthy after performing their Hajj. They appreciated the leadership of the Ministry of MOHIA for their sincerity, commitment, and coordination with relevant institutions in providing facilities for pilgrims both within Afghanistan and in Saudi Arabia. They prayed for a blessed Hajj for the esteemed pilgrims.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer for blessings led by Sheikh Aziz-ur-Rahman Mansour, Deputy Minister of MOHIA