Pakistani Hajj pilgrims departing from Islamabad and Karachi will once again benefit from the Road to Makkah project this year, ensuring a smoother immigration process before their departure to Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has formally requested the director general of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to make the necessary arrangements for the initiative.
According to an official letter, pilgrims travelling for Hajj will undergo immigration procedures at Islamabad and Karachi airports instead of Saudi Arabia, significantly reducing travel hassles upon arrival.
Under this project, Saudi immigration officials will be stationed at designated counters in Pakistani airports to complete all entry formalities, allowing pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodations upon landing in Saudi Arabia. To facilitate this, the ministry has urged the CAA to allocate space for Saudi immigration staff at both airports.
The request from the ministry follows a letter from the Saudi Embassy, which confirmed that special arrangements will be implemented at Islamabad and Karachi airports for the Road to Makkah initiative.
The Road to Makkah project is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Hajj travellers by expediting immigration and customs procedures in their home countries.
