KARACHI: The official inauguration of the “Road to Makkah” project took place at Karachi airport, marking 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 pilgrims embarking on their sacred journey.
Key dignitaries present at the ceremony included 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 collectively inaugurated the project at the international lounge of the airport.
During his address, Lt Gen Al Yahya highlighted the implementation of new technological and artificial intelligence services aimed at enriching the Road to Makkah experience for pilgrims.
Ambassador Al Maliki underscored the streamlined immigration process for Pakistani pilgrims at Karachi airport, ensuring a seamless journey to Saudi Arabia.
Governor Tessori extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Sindh, reflecting 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.
Ambassador Al Maliki reiterated the enduring brotherly relationship between the two nations, highlighting the inclusion of Karachi airport in the Road to Makkah project as a testament to this bond.
Governor Tessori elaborated on the project’s benefits, stating 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 prosperity.
Lt Gen Al Yahya elaborated on the objectives of the Road to Makkah initiative, emphasizing its aim to expedite immigration procedures and provide enhanced services to pilgrims from various countries, including Pakistan.
With the introduction of new technological and artificial intelligence services, including electronic visas and mobile fingerprint authentication, the Makkah Road initiative seeks to optimize the Hajj experience for all intending pilgrims.
