Saudis arrive to review ‘Road to Makkah’ project

Around 20,000 pilgrims will get the facility of immigration at Islamabad airport under a pilot project

ISLAMABAD: A 51-member delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived here on Sunday to review the arrangements made to assist Haj pilgrims under pilot project “Road to Makkah”. The team will extend immigration clearance after scrutinizing the travelling documents of the Pakistani pilgrims at Islamabad airport.

Under the “Road to Makkah” project — that has been initiated by Saudi Arabia to facilitate Muslim pilgrims — all immigration requirements are fulfilled at the airport of origin. The project also includes other Muslim countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia.

The project is initially being launched in Islamabad and will be extended to other cities later on based on its success.

Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs M Mushtaq Ahmed, Joint Secretary Zeenat Hussain Bangash and other high officials welcomed the Saudi delegation.

In a major development, the delegation also brought with them the immigration system in a special plane, which will be installed in the departure lounge of Islamabad airport.

Road to Makkah initiative to prove successful: CAA DG

A spokesman of the ministry said that the team will remain here for two months and work in three shifts to supervise the project.

Ministry of Religious Affairs Director Media Imran Siddiqui informed that in the first phase, the facility will be provided at Islamabad Airport, which gradually will be extended to all cities of Pakistan.

According to the ministry, ten Haji camps had become functional across the country. The Hajj flight operation will also start from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, which will continue till August 5.

It may be recalled that "Road to Makkah" project was announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his maiden visit to Pakistan in February at the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan to save Pakistani Haj pilgrims from immigration hassle at Saudi airports.

Under the ‘project, around 20,000 pilgrims will get the facility of immigration at Islamabad airport, while the programme will be extended to Karachi and Lahore the next year depending on its success.

To oversee Haj operations starting from July 4, Advisor to PM on Establishment and Coordinator for Haj Operation Mohammad Shehzad Arbab and other officials will visit Islamabad airport on July 3.