The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has announced plans to double the benefits provided through the Makkah Route Initiative for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims. This initiative, introduced in 2019, streamlines immigration procedures, reducing waiting times upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Last year, 26,000 pilgrims benefited, with Karachi now included in the project. Secretary Zulfiqar Haider highlighted that Saudi immigration procedures for Islamabad departures would occur in Islamabad, enhancing efficiency. With approximately 179,210 Pakistanis expected to perform Hajj this year, flight operations commence on May 9th, facilitated by five airlines. This initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring a seamless Hajj experience, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the experience of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has announced plans to double the benefits provided through the Makkah Route Initiative. This initiative, which was first introduced in 2019, has already proven to be a game-changer for thousands of pilgrims by streamlining immigration procedures and reducing waiting times upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Last year, approximately 26,000 Pakistani pilgrims benefited from this initiative, and now, with the inauguration of the project in Karachi, the country’s largest city, officials aim to double this figure.
The Makkah Route Initiative has been instrumental in simplifying the pilgrimage process for Pakistani pilgrims. By allowing pilgrims to complete immigration procedures at their departure country, the initiative eliminates the need for lengthy checks upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. This not only simplifies the entry process but also ensures a smoother journey for pilgrims, enabling them to focus on the spiritual significance of their pilgrimage without the hassle of bureaucratic delays.
The expansion of the Makkah Route Initiative to Karachi marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance the Hajj experience for its citizens. Karachi, being the largest city in Pakistan, serves as a major hub for Hajj pilgrims, and the inclusion of the city in the Makkah Route Initiative will greatly benefit thousands of pilgrims who embark on the sacred journey each year.
Secretary of Religious Affairs, Zulfiqar Haider, alongside Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, inaugurated this year’s project at Islamabad International Airport. This inauguration ceremony symbolizes the close cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in facilitating the pilgrimage process and ensuring the comfort and convenience of Hajj pilgrims.
Haider emphasized that Saudi immigration and customs procedures for Hajj pilgrims departing from Islamabad would now take place in Islamabad itself, further enhancing the efficiency of the pilgrimage process. This move is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for pilgrims at the airports and streamline the overall pilgrimage experience.
This year, approximately 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj under both government and private schemes, with flight operations commencing on May 9th. Out of these pilgrims, 89,605 will embark on the journey under each scheme, with additional quotas allocated to sponsorship schemes to accommodate more individuals.
To facilitate the transportation of pilgrims, five airlines including Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Airblue, Serene Air, and Air Sial, will operate a total of 259 sorties. These flights will transport around 68,000 intending pilgrims from eight major cities in Pakistan to Jeddah and Madinah as part of the government scheme.
The expansion of the Makkah Route Initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for its citizens. By doubling the number of pilgrims benefiting from this initiative and extending its reach to Karachi, the government aims to alleviate the logistical challenges often associated with the Hajj pilgrimage, allowing pilgrims to embark on their spiritual journey with peace of mind and devotion.
Overall, the expansion of the Makkah Route Initiative is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and their shared commitment to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims around the world. As Pakistan prepares to double the benefits provided to Hajj pilgrims through this initiative, it reaffirms its dedication to ensuring a memorable and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for all those embarking on this sacred journey.