ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement known as the “Road to Makkah” project, with the aim of simplifying the immigration process for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The agreement was signed during the visit of Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia, Dr Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood, at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, and other high-ranking officials. Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah and the Saudi deputy interior minister signed the agreement.
Under the agreement, Pakistani Hajj and Umrah pilgrims will be provided immigration facilities in Pakistan, exempting them from the immigration process at Saudi airports. Initially, the service will be available at Islamabad International Airport, benefiting approximately 26,000 pilgrims in the first phase. The Saudi authorities have assured that the facility will later be extended to Karachi and Lahore airports as well.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign joint minutes of meeting
In addition, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed joint minutes of the meeting, discussing the issuance of Pakistani passports to Burmese Muslims residing in Saudi Arabia on Pakistani passports. The passports of these individuals had not been renewed since 2012, causing difficulties for them in the Kingdom.
To improve their legal status, an arrangement has been made to issue passports to Burmese Muslims and their children. A bilateral committee will be formed, consisting of representatives from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s interior ministry, to facilitate the early issuance of documents to the Burmese Muslims.
Following the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz presented a souvenir to the Saudi dignitary, who reciprocated the gesture by presenting a memento to the prime minister.
The “Road to Makkah” agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in streamlining the immigration process for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, providing convenience and ease for Pakistani travelers. The agreement also highlights the close bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.
