"Road to Makkah" project begins at Karachi airport
The
commencement of the "Road to Makkah" project at Karachi airport
marked a significant milestone in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage. The
inaugural ceremony coincided with the departure of the first Hajj flight of
Saudi Airlines from Jinnah International Terminal to Medina, carrying intending
pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey.
The
event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Sindh Governor Kamran
Tessori, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al Maliki, and Chairman of Saudi Immigration and Passport Lt Gen Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al
Yahya, who jointly inaugurated the project at the international lounge of the
airport.
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delegation evaluates Karachi airport to establish Saudi immigration facilities
Addressing
the gathering, Lt Gen Al Yahya highlighted the incorporation of new
technological advancements and artificial intelligence services aimed at
enriching the Road to Makkah experience. Ambassador Al Maliki underscored the
streamlined immigration procedures for Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring a seamless
journey to Saudi Arabia from Karachi airport.
During
the ceremony, Governor Tessori extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman to visit Sindh, reaffirming the robust bilateral relations
between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The
event was attended by Secretary of Religious Affairs Dr Syed Attaur Rehman,
Hajj Director Syed Imtiaz Ali Shah, and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,
demonstrating the collaborative efforts in facilitating the pilgrimage process.
Ambassador
Al Maliki reiterated the enduring fraternal ties between the two nations,
highlighting the inclusion of Karachi airport in the Road to Makkah project as
a testament to this bond.
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and Karachi airports to launch Road-to-Makkah Project
Governor
Tessori emphasized the project's benefits, noting that 35,500 pilgrims from
Karachi would benefit from the streamlined process this year. He also expressed
optimism regarding Pakistan's trade agreements with Saudi Arabia, citing
potential investments worth $5 billion, which would contribute to the country's
economic growth.
Lt
Gen Al Yahya elaborated on the objectives of the Road to Makkah initiative,
emphasizing its goal to expedite immigration procedures and enhance services
for pilgrims from various countries, including Pakistan. With the introduction
of new technical and artificial intelligence services, such as electronic visas
and mobile fingerprint authentication, the initiative seeks to optimize the
Hajj experience for all intending pilgrims.
Source:
Express Tribune