Saudi officials set to review Hajj op in Pakistan

50,500 Pak pilgrims to be facilitated through 'Road to Makkah' initiative

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ISLAMABAD:

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Sunday announced that a 45-member Saudi delegation has arrived in Pakistan to assess arrangements for the 'Road to Makkah' project in a bid to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.

According to the ministry's spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, officials from the ministry warmly received the delegation at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA).

Under the 'Road to Makkah' initiative, a total of 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia via designated flights, he said, adding that of these, approximately 28,000 pilgrims will depart from IIA, while 22,500 will fly from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. He further informed that 100 flights will operate from Islamabad and 80 from Karachi under the project.

Umar Butt said dedicated immigration counters for pilgrims will be established at both Islamabad and Karachi airports. Significantly, under the 'Road to Makkah' project, pilgrims' immigration procedures will be completed in Pakistan, eliminating the need for clearance upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, he maintained.

Umar Butt said the ministry has issued important guidelines for pilgrims. He said it is mandatory for all pilgrims to receive essential vaccinations before departure. Pilgrims are advised to visit the nearest Haji Camp to receive free vaccinations against meningitis, influenza, and polio, he said, adding that after vaccination, obtaining the yellow vaccination card is compulsory, as entry into Saudi Arabia without a valid vaccination certificate is not permitted.

Umar Butt said pilgrims above the age of 65 must carry their original COVID-19 vaccination card as in the absence of the card, senior pilgrims are instructed to get vaccinated at the nearest Haji Camp and obtain a new certificate.

Umar Butt said the ministry also issued a strong warning against fraudulent Hajj permits. "Pilgrims must only travel with valid and approved Hajj permits," said the ministry's spokesperson, adding that the ministry had cautioned that fraudulent companies and unauthorized advertisements could mislead pilgrims with fake permits, leading to severe consequences.