First Haj flight arrives with 327 pilgrims onboard

Islamabad
The first Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Haj flight carrying 327 pilgrims arrived at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) here on Monday.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Joint Director (Media) Fariha Tahir Shah confirmed ‘The News’ that the first Haj flight of the PIA -- PK-6312 -- reached Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) in the wee hours of Monday.
Talking to ‘The News,’ pilgrims blamed the undisciplined people for the stampede during Haj, saying that the tragedy would not have occurred if they had followed instructions.
Muhammad Ameen Shaikh, who was sad over the loss of hundreds of people in Mina, said that the deadly incident occurred due to people's impatience.
Nazia Shakoor, a female pilgrim, said that she was trembling after watching dozens of dead bodies in front of her.
As pilgrims were welcomed by their families with smiling faces, their arrival has proved to be a blessing for flower sellers, who had decorated their stalls beautifully with garlands, petals and flowers. The majority of people was seen buying garlands and flowers to welcome the pilgrims.
Fayyaz Ahmed, a pilgrim, said that he had left for the Holy Land in August and had returned after forty days. “Performing Haj was the most amazing experience of my life. I won't forget those sacred moments,” he stated.
Some pilgrims reported that they were prone to minor ailments owing to their hectic schedule and changed environment. Atif Saleem said that his forty-day trip had affected his health. "When I had left for Makkah, I was quite healthy and energetic. But now you can see my pale skin and slender built. ”But never mind, there's nothing better than visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madina on such an auspicious occasion," he maintained.
On the other hand, long queues of pedestrians as well as motorists were seen at the entry points of the airport.
People were seen arguing with the officials and security guards of Airport Security Force (ASF), in order to enter the airport to receive the pilgrims. The exchange of hot words between people and ASF officials was witnessed as people were not allowed to enter.
Officials of ASF, when contacted, mentioned that they were facing extremely tough time at the hands of visitors who had come to receive pilgrims. "Everyone wants to reach the terminal without considering the fact that the space available at the waiting areas has exceeded its limit. We understand that people are keen to receive their loved ones but they must exhibit some patience," they said. They can welcome the pilgrims even if they stay outside, said an ASF inspector. He said that the
overcrowding of people is affecting other passengers of different domestic and international flights.