KARACHI, Nov 14: The first PIA Haj flight from Karachi airport left for Jeddah on Wednesday with 400 pilgrims on board, marking the start of a massive operation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to transport 124,050 pilgrims on this sector.

In all, 336 flights have been scheduled by the national flag carrier, which will operate 30 Haj flights directly to Madina, including 10 flights each form Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad bade farewell to the passengers of the first Haj flight at Karachi airport.

The pre-Haj appertain entails a total of 72 flights form Karachi carrying 22,570 pilgrims and the operation will complete on December 14. The post-Haj operation from Jeddah will commence on December 25.—APP