Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has approved the development of the “Road to Makkah” project facility at the Karachi airport immediately.
A two-member Saudi team, led by Saudi Consul General in Karachi Faleh Al-Rehaili, paid a visit to Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) in this respect.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) stated that their visit was to assess the airport’s facilities and discuss plans for the Road to Makkah project.
According to the PACC, the group was greeted upon arrival by the aviation authority’s acting airport manager and members from other authorities. The airport manager gave the group a full tour of the airport’s amenities.
The party was shown the route Hajj pilgrims will follow, beginning at the main entrance and leading to the immigration area. They thoroughly inspected the facilities.
The Saudi team met with the Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Customs, and PCAA personnel. They also met with the technical teams to discuss processing needs and procedures.
The PCAA stated that the delegation was particularly interested in the admission process for prospective pilgrims and the distribution of immigration slots. Other significant themes considered were the allotment of immigration halls, private Hajj pilgrims, and the distinction between government and private scheme pilgrims, among others.
“Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the importance of pilgrims arriving at least five hours prior to their flight, ensuring sufficient time for necessary procedures and preparations before their departure.”
According to reports, Saudi Arabia’s immigration facilities for Hajj pilgrims would be established at the Karachi airport in the coming days.
According to the federal government’s competent agencies, all requirements for Hajj pilgrims travelling from Sindh, including Karachi, would be met at the airport as part of the Road to Makkah Project.
After clearing the airport, Hajj pilgrims will not have to go through the lengthy immigration process at the Jeddah and Medina airports, and will be brought straight to their lodgings.
The Road to Makkah project is already functioning at the Islamabad airport.
On May 16, 2023, Dr Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood, then-Saudi Arabia’s deputy interior minister, came in Pakistan on a two-day official visit to finalize and sign an agreement on the Road to Makkah project.
The effort was supposed to be a significant step toward simplifying and expediting immigration formalities for pilgrims, resulting in a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Iqra Khan