Lahore and Karachi airports to launch Road-to-Makkah project
Pakistan's Ministry of Haj officials informed a senate
committee that the Saudi government has approved Pakistan's request to extend the
Road-to-Makkah project to Lahore and Karachi airports. This expansion aims to
enhance the convenience and facilities provided to pilgrims. As of now, the
project operates exclusively from Islamabad airport.
The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and
Interfaith Harmony convened at Parliament House, with Senator Maulana Abdul
Ghafoor Haideri presiding over the meeting. The committee expressed its
appreciation for the initiative and recommended the commencement of the
Road-to-Makkah project from Peshawar and Quetta airports as well.
'Road
to Makkah' project to expand to Karachi and Lahore airports
During the meeting, the reduction of Haj group organizers
from 905 to 46, following directives from the Saudi government via the Ministry
of Haj, was thoroughly discussed. Officials mentioned that a letter has been sent
to the Saudi Arabian government, in accordance with the committee's
recommendation, urging a deferral of this reduction for the current year and a
gradual decrease in the following years. The Ministry of Haj eagerly awaits a
response from the Saudi government.
Representatives from the Haj Organizers Association of
Pakistan were also in attendance, emphasizing the need for constructive
dialogue between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Pakistani Director
General Haj, along with Saudi Ministry of Haj officials, to address their
concerns.
Saudi
Arabia inks civil aviation agreements with Pakistan, Bangladesh
The committee was informed that altering the Saudi Ministry
of Haj's decision to reduce the number of organizers appeared unlikely.
Therefore, the committee chairman emphasized the necessity of thorough
preparations for upcoming Haj arrangements.
The committee chairman stressed the importance of the
Ministry of Religious Affairs' continued efforts to address the issue. It was
suggested that Saudi authorities should be informed of Pakistan's concerns and
requested to reconsider their decision.
After extensive deliberations, it was decided that another
letter would be sent to the Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs. The caretaker
minister for religious affairs was also encouraged to engage with his Saudi
counterpart to advocate further for Pakistan's position. The committee
requested a progress report on the matter within 15 days.
Those present at the meeting included senators Molvi Faiz
Mohammad, Professor Sajid Mir, Naseebullah Bazai, Hafiz Abdul Karim, Haji
Hidayatullah, and Gurdeep Singh.
Source: Dawn