'Road to Makkah' project to expand to Karachi and Lahore airports
Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah, Tawfig bin Fawzan
Al-Rabiah, has announced the extension of the 'Road to Makkah' project to
Karachi and Lahore international airports. This expansion aims to provide
essential assistance to thousands of Pakistani pilgrims in the upcoming Haj
season.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Saudi
Minister Al-Rabiah and Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith
Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, held in Riyadh on Friday. The meeting was attended by
Pakistan's Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, and Deputy Ambassador
Moazzam Khan.
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The discussions focused on various aspects related to
arrangements and facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, including flight schedules,
accommodations, transportation, meals, and other essential services.
Currently, the 'Road to Makkah' facility is operational at
the Islamabad International Airport. Under this arrangement, dedicated Saudi
teams handle immigration, customs, and baggage security services at Islamabad
International Airport.
Saudi Minister Al-Rabiah emphasized that extending this
valuable facility to Karachi and Lahore airports will enhance the convenience
and support available to Pakistani pilgrims.
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"We are actively considering the expansion of the 'Road
to Makkah' facility to Karachi and Lahore airports, with plans to extend it
further to additional airports in the future," the Saudi minister
announced.
He also assured that Pakistani pilgrims would receive
improved accommodation at Makaatib in Mina and would benefit from the full
cooperation of the Saudi government.
Furthermore, the Saudi government has encouraged 80
countries, including Pakistan, to reduce the number of private tour operators,
stipulating that each operator should be able to accommodate a minimum of 2,000
pilgrims.
It's worth noting that the Saudi minister visited Pakistan
last month, where he held meetings with the caretaker prime minister, his
Pakistani counterpart, and other officials to discuss matters related to Haj
and Umrah pilgrimages.
Source: The News