Authorities in Saudi Arabia have arrested 26 people for taking more than 80 pilgrims to Makkah to perform the Hajj without a permit, state media reported on Thursday. The kingdom has announced several tough penalties for illegal pilgrims this year as Riyadh attempts to ensure a safe and orderly Hajj.

Officials say more than one million Muslim pilgrims from around the world have already arrived in the country.

Under government-sponsored Hajj scheme, 81,950 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via 319 flights. Radio Pakistan Correspondent Abdul Rehman Cheema reports from Makkah that Hajj flight operation from Pakistan will continue till Saturday. The arrival of intending pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah will also be completed by Saturday.