Hajj 2024: Karachi included in ‘Road to Makkah’ project

Karachi has been included in the ‘Road to Makkah’ project, marking a significant step forward in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage process.

The ‘Road to Makkah’ project will benefit more than 60 per cent of government pilgrims this year, with provisions in place for private Hajj scheme participants as well.

Secretary of Religious Affairs, Dr Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, announced on Friday that Saudi officials successfully concluded the survey for the ‘Road to Makkah’ project at Karachi Airport, marking a significant step forward in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage process.

He said that the implementation of advanced immigration technology is on the horizon, adding that there is a strong possibility that the Saudi authorities are likely to introduce the latest immigration technology at Karachi Airport.

Secretary of Religious Affairs underscored the use of modern technology in baggage handling, stating that with the help of modern technology, immigration can be completed in less than a minute.

The integration of RFID technology would enable the swift delivery of pilgrims’ luggage, minimizing the risk of loss or misplacement, he said.

He also confirmed that to enhance organization and efficiency, pilgrims’ belongings would be labelled and coded based on eight zones, facilitating smooth sorting and delivery processes.

“Pilgrims’ goods will be delivered directly to residences through the ‘Road to Makkah’ project,” the Secretary of Religious Affairs confirmed.

Furthermore, the inclusion of pilgrims from Sukkur and Quetta in the ‘Road to Makkah’ project through Karachi Airport, and those from Peshawar via Islamabad Airport, demonstrated the project’s extensive reach and accessibility, he elaborated.

On March 6, a 12-member high-level delegation of Saudi Arabia arrived at Karachi Airport to pace up the matter of immigration clearance for Hajj pilgrims in Karachi instead of Jeddah.

Earlier, caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed and the Saudi ambassador discussed finalising arrangements for the Hajj 2024 and expanding the ‘Road-to-Makkah’ project during a meeting at the Saudi embassy.