Srinagar, Jun 10 (KNO): As the annual Hajj pilgrimage 2025 concludes, the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir is all set to return on June 17, officials said.
Executive Officer J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujhat Qureshi, while speaking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the initial flight will bring back 178 pilgrims, marking the beginning of the return phase for the 3,606 pilgrims from the region who performed the pilgrimage this year.
"Everything has gone smoothly, and we did not witness any major incidents due to the heatwave or other causes, unlike last year,” he said.
Dr Qureshi, however, confirmed that a Kashmir-based female pilgrim, who was already unwell, passed away during the pilgrimage. “She was taken to Arafat in Ambulance to complete Waqoof-e-Arafat (Main farz of Haj) and later admitted again in Saudi National Hospital located in Mina where she died on 12th Dhul Hijjah,” he added.
Reflecting on the overall arrangements, Dr. Qureshi said, “This year’s Hajj went better than expected. The facilities provided, especially during sacred sites, were much improved compared to last year.”
Asked about concerns raised regarding accommodation at certain locations, Dr Qureshi asserted that the Haj Committee acted promptly over the reports. “We did issue clarification when needed. By and large, the arrangements were good,” he said.
Dr Qureshi added that 14 pilgrims had cancelled their Hajj at the last moment.
The 2025 Hajj formally came to an end after pilgrims completed the ritual of stoning at the three Jamarat in Mina and then left the Tent City for Makkah to perform the last obligatory Hajj ritual, Tawaf Al-Wida (farewell Tawaf), as over 1.6 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj.
It is pertinent to mention that due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year in May, many flights were cancelled for days, resulting in a delay for pilgrims to reach Mecca and Madina.
At least more than 2,200 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir were left stranded, prompting the J&K Haj Committee to consider operating additional flights to clear the backlog.
Meanwhile, Hajj authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced the successful conclusion of Hajj 2025, declaring it free of any security, health, or service-related incidents—(KNO)