Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed A. Al Maliky convened to discuss the implementation of the ‘Route to Makkah’ Project. This collaborative initiative aims to streamline the immigration and customs clearance process for Hajj pilgrims, shifting the burden from Saudi Arabia to designated airports in Pakistan.
The meeting, attended by key officials including Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, emphasized the urgency of fulfilling all requirements to kickstart the project promptly.
The ‘Route to Makkah’ initiative has garnered praise for its successful pilot at Islamabad International Airport, benefiting thousands of pilgrims in previous Hajj seasons. Following discussions and extensive consultations with stakeholders, efforts have been made to extend the project to other major airports such as Karachi and Lahore. With nearly all formalities completed, a delegation led by the Saudi Ambassador recently visited Jinnah International Airport to assess the area allocated for project implementation and liaise with relevant authorities.
Expressing his gratitude, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah commended the personal interest shown by Saudi Authorities and the Ambassador in ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both countries to enhance the Hajj experience for pilgrims, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
