Pakistan’s national airline has launched special flights to Najaf, Iraq, aimed at facilitating pilgrims during the Islamic month of Muharram.
Najaf and Karbala hold deep significance for Shia Muslims worldwide, who travel to these cities during the first two months of the Islamic lunar calendar to commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“Pakistan International Airlines has initiated special flights to Najaf to facilitate pilgrims during Muharram,” Radio Pakistan stated. Dubbed ‘Operation Ashura’, these flights are tailored to ensure pilgrims experience smooth travel during this important period of religious observance.
Return flights from Najaf will commence on July 20.
In preparation for Muharram, Pakistan’s central moon-sighting committee convened in Quetta on Saturday to sight the crescent moon. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC) announced the beginning of Muharram on July 8, with Ashura, marking Hussain’s martyrdom, falling on July 17.
Ashura, observed on Muharram 10 each year, draws hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims in Pakistan to participate in religious gatherings and processions to mourn Hussain’s death.
