Dr. Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood, the Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia, has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit. The purpose of his visit is to finalize and sign an agreement regarding the “Road to Makkah” project.
The “Road to Makkah” project aims to simplify and streamline immigration processes for pilgrims, providing them with a seamless and hassle-free experience. This agreement is expected to be a significant milestone in achieving these objectives.
During his stay, the Saudi deputy interior minister is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, the federal minister for narcotics control, and other officials.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warmly welcomed Dr. Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood upon his arrival at the Nur Khan Airbase.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al Maliki took a personal interest in concluding the agreement and had several meetings with senior authorities in Pakistan, including Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, and undertook a journey to the Kingdom.
The Road to Makkah Project was initially started in 2019. It was launched in five countries including Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, and Bangladesh.
According to the Saudi mission, the authorities will complete all the immigration processes and check the travel documents and baggage of pilgrims at Pakistan’s airports so they won’t have to wait for 10-12 hours after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
After their arrival, the pilgrims will move directly to the buses which will take them to their residences in Makkah and Madina.
The project is starting from the airport in Islamabad and is anticipated to help 42,000 pilgrims this year. Rana Sanaullah Khan, the interior minister, met the deputy interior minister of Saudi Arabia at the Noor Khan Airbase.
The effort, according to a press statement, is anticipated to be a significant step towards streamlining and simplifying the immigration procedures for pilgrims, resulting in a smooth and trouble-free journey.
Dr. Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood is anticipated to meet with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, COAS General Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, and other important senior officials in addition to the signing ceremony.
Notably, this year, approximately 40,000 intending pilgrims will depart for Saudi Arabia from Islamabad Airport under the Road to Makkah initiative. The project allows pilgrims to fulfill all immigration requirements at the Islamabad Airport, saving them several hours upon arrival in the kingdom.
