ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Sunday that a 45-member Saudi delegation arrived in Pakistan to inspect preparations for the ‘Road to Makkah’ project aimed at facilitating Pakistani pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj. Ministry officials welcomed the delegation at Islamabad International Airport.
Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the initiative, with 28,000 departing from Islamabad and 22,500 from Karachi. He added that 100 flights will operate from Islamabad and 80 from Karachi under the project.
Dedicated immigration counters will be established at both airports, with immigration procedures completed in Pakistan before departure. Umar Butt said pilgrims must receive essential vaccinations against meningitis, influenza, and polio at Haji Camps and obtain a yellow vaccination card.
Pilgrims over the age of 65 must carry their original COVID-19 vaccination cards or obtain a new one from the nearest Haji Camp if needed. The ministry also issued warnings against fraudulent Hajj permits, urging pilgrims to only use valid and approved documents to avoid severe consequences.
