ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Friday issued schedule for Hajj flight operation, which is to commence from July 24.

The flight operation for departure of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will continue from July 24 to August 26. The first Hajj flight will leave for Madina from Islamabad on July 24, according to the ministry.

For the return of pilgrims, the flight operation will start from September 6 and last until October 6.

Earlier on Friday, the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad also issued an advisory for Pakistani citizens regarding prevention and control of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) during upcoming Hajj.

NIH issues advisory on prevention, control of MERS for Hajj pilgrims

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, according to the advisory.

The NIH directed all concerned authorities, including federal and provincial ministries of religious affairs to take appropriate measures during the upcoming Hajj season in order to prevent the spread of diseases.

It said that MERS-CoV can spread from infected people to others through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person.