- Initiative provides quicker clearance process for Hajj pilgrims
- Pilot project was offered for Islamabad during Hajj 2019
ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have committed to expanding the Makkah Route Initiative beyond Islamabad, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesman Imran Siddiqui told Arab News on Friday.
Siddiqui said the pilot project for Makkah Route in Islamabad during this year’s Hajj season was very successful.
In July, a Saudi immigration team set up special counters at the Islamabad airport to provide pre-departure immigration clearance to Hajj pilgrims.
“Pakistan’s religious affairs minister in a meeting with Saudi officials this week requested to add other Pakistani airports to the initiative,” Siddiqui said, adding that the ministry is hopeful that next year airports in Lahore, Quetta, Karachi and Peshawar will be included as well.
Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri is currently in Saudi Arabia and on Wednesday signed Hajj Agreement 2020 with Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammad Saleh bin Benten, under which 200,000 Pakistani pilgrims will undertake their spiritual journey to Islam’s most sacred cities next year.
They also agreed to set up a joint committee to address any possible complaints from the pilgrims.
The Makkah Route initiative aims to facilitate Hajj pilgrims and make for a smoother departure and arrival process, with quicker clearance facilities which save up to 10 hours of waiting time after arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman announced its extension to Pakistan during his historic visit to Islamabad in February 2019.