Saudi delegation arrives in Karachi to Cement Makkah Route Initiative for Hajj Pilgrims

A Saudi delegation comprising 12 officials recently visited Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport to assess the feasibility of extending the ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative to facilitate local Hajj pilgrims. Welcomed by the Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs and the Director of Hajj (Karachi), the delegation’s aim was to explore possibilities for implementing the project in the southern port city. Saudi authorities plan to conduct a survey to streamline the immigration process for pilgrims under the ‘Road to Makkah’ project. Notably, Saudi Arabia reinstated Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims last year and removed the upper age limit of 65 years. In 2023, over 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj through the government scheme, while others opted for private tour operators. With this year’s pilgrimage expected to take place from June 14 to June 19, efforts are underway to ensure smooth facilitation for Hajj pilgrims.