Saudi Arabia approves establishment of 'Road to Makkah' project in Karachi

• PCAA says visit's purpose was to inspect facilities.
• Manager gives delegation comprehensive tour.
• Delegation shows interest in entry process: PCAA. 

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has okayed establishment of the "Road to Makkah" project facility at the Karachi airport right away, Geo News reported on Monday citing sources.

A two-member delegation from Saudi Arabia accompanied by Saudi Consul General in Karachi Faleh Al-Rehaili visited the Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) in this regard.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said the purpose of their visit was to inspect the airport's facilities and discuss the arrangements for the Road to Makkah project.

The PACC said upon their arrival, the delegation was welcomed by the aviation authority's acting airport manager, as well as representatives from other agencies. The airport manager provided the delegation with a comprehensive tour of the airport's facilities.

The delegation was shown the process Hajj pilgrims would take, starting from the main entrance and leading them to the immigration area. They inspected the facilities in detail.

The Saudi Arabian delegation met the Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, the Customs authorities and PCAA officials. They also held meetings with the technical teams to discuss the processing requirements and procedure.

The PCAA said: “The delegation showed particular interest in the entry process for intending pilgrims and the allocation of immigration space. Other key points discussed were related to allocation of immigration hall, private Hajj pilgrims, differentiating between government and private scheme pilgrims, among others. 

"Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the importance of pilgrims arriving at least five hours prior to their flight, ensuring sufficient time for necessary procedures and preparations before their departure.”

The sources said the Saudi Arabian immigration facilities would be finalised for the Hajj pilgrims at the Karachi airport in next few days.

As per the federal government’s relevant authorities, all the requisites would be fulfilled, for the Hajj pilgrims travelling from Sindh including Karachi, at the airport under the Road to Makkah project.

After clearance from the airport, the Hajj pilgrims will not have to go through the long process of immigration at the Jeddah and Medina airports and they would be directly transported to their accommodations.

The Road to Makkah project is already successfully operational at the Islamabad airport. 

On May 16, 2023, the then-Saudi Arabia deputy interior minister, Dr Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood, arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit to finalise and ink an agreement pertaining to the Road to Makkah project.

The initiative was expected to mark a major milestone in simplifying and streamlining immigration processes for pilgrims, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.