JEDDAH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia were being persuaded to initiate the “Road to Makkah” project in the capitals of provinces of Pakistan from next year, Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah Khalid Majeed said on Monday.
In an interview, he stated that the authorities of Saudi Arabia had assured that the airports situated in the capitals of Pakistani provinces would also get benefit from the Road to Makkah initiative. It is currently available in Islamabad only.
The initiative of Road to Makkah by Saudi Arabia streamlines immigration for the pilgrims of Hajj from Pakistan. The pre-clearance in their home countries eliminates processing at Saudi airports. Hajj Pilgrims are greeted at lounges and are quickly transported to their residences after their arrival, ensuring an efficient and smooth journey.
The project of Road to Makkah project allows pilgrims of Hajj to go through immigration facilities at the airports of their respective countries, streamlining the process. This year, Khalid said a total of 30,000 Pakistani pilgrims had already benefited from the initiative of Road to Makkah, similar to the number in the previous year. It is anticipated that the beneficiaries number will increase significantly in the coming year.
He said that during the inaugural direct flight to Makkah, which took 340 pilgrims from Pakistan to Jeddah as part of the “Road to Makkah” program, the Pakistani hajj pilgrims gained clearance in a surprisingly short time of thirty minutes. He said the Road to Makkah project ensured that pilgrims’ luggage was brought straight to their rooms, increasing their convenience and comfort. He said that prospective pilgrims have expressed satisfaction and happiness with the Road to Makkah project, stating that it had substantially improved their overall experience.
Meanwhile, Abdul Wahab Soomro, Director General Hajj, said that a total of 1,700 Moavineen e Hujjaj had been assigned to assist intending pilgrims. There is a strong level of coordination maintained with the Umrah in Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Hajj.
Talha Mehmood, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, and Dr. Aftab Akbar Durrani, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, are actively supporting and overseeing the entire team’s efforts, guaranteeing a smooth workflow.
He said, “The positive feedback from the Hajjis reflected their satisfaction, making us proud of our achievements.” — APP
