Saudi delegation holds meetings at Karachi airport for Road to Makkah project
A high-level delegation of Saudi officials, led by Saudi Envoy
Nawaf Bin Saeed Al-Maliki, visited Karachi's Jinnah International Airport to
assess potential locations for establishing Saudi immigration facilities under
the Road to Makkah project.
Their main objective was to identify
areas within the airport where dedicated facilities could be set up to assist
Hajj pilgrims with immigration procedures before their journey to the holy
cities of Makkah and Medina.
'Road
to Makkah' project to expand to Karachi and Lahore airports
The Saudi delegation engaged in
crucial meetings with key stakeholders from the airport, including
representatives from various Pakistani agencies such as the Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA), Airport Security Force (ASF), Anti-Narcotics Force
(ANF), Pakistan Customs, and immigration authorities. The Pakistani side was
led by Sadiq UR Rehman, Deputy Director General of Airports of the Pakistan
Civil Aviation Authority.
Upon finalizing a suitable location at
Jinnah International Airport, Saudi officials will proceed with the
installation of necessary immigration counters and equipment to facilitate the
smooth transit of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims.
Lahore
and Karachi airports to launch Road-to-Makkah Project
The Road to Makkah project has already
been successfully implemented at Islamabad International Airport, simplifying
the immigration process for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and
Umrah. By extending similar facilities to Karachi, the project aims to offer a
seamless and convenient experience for Pakistani pilgrims embarking on their
spiritual journey from the nation's largest city and economic hub.
Both Pakistani and Saudi authorities have affirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation and ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for the hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who visit the Kingdom annually.
Source: Business Recorder