Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS) has extended the successful ‘Road to Makkah Project’ to Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, following its implementation at Islamabad Airport. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for Haj pilgrims by providing direct immigration facilities at the airport.
A two-member Saudi delegation, accompanied by the Saudi Consul General, conducted a comprehensive inspection of Jinnah International Airport to kickstart the project. The delegation met with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Security Force (ASF), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Customs to discuss the implementation of immigration and other essential requirements for pilgrims.
Under the ‘Road to Makkah Project,’ immigration procedures for Haj pilgrims from Karachi and across Sindh will be completed at Jinnah International Airport. This streamlined process will enable pilgrims to travel directly to their residences in Saudi Arabia without undergoing lengthy immigration procedures upon arrival at Jeddah and Madina airports.
Following the successful launch of the project in Islamabad, the Karachi Airport is poised to become the second in Pakistan to implement this innovative initiative. The project involves allocating dedicated lounges and halls at the immigration facilities, equipped with computer systems and staffed by immigration officials.
Acting Jinnah International Airport management briefed the Saudi delegation on the project’s progress and invited them to inspect the lounges. The technical team is working diligently to finalize the immigration facilities, ensuring a seamless experience for Haj pilgrims.
By implementing the ‘Road to Makkah Project’ at Jinnah International Airport, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance the convenience and efficiency of the Haj pilgrimage for Pakistani pilgrims. This initiative reflects the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating the religious obligations of Muslims worldwide.