Islamabad: Over 300 Pakistani Haj pilgrims arrived in Jeddah as the second phase of the Road to Makkah initiative was launched, marking a significant milestone in this year’s Hajj operations.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the first of 180 scheduled Hajj flights under the initiative landed at King Abdul Aziz International Airport from Islamabad, carrying 310 pilgrims.
The Road to Makkah initiative, which began in 2019 at Islamabad International Airport and was later extended to Karachi, allows Haj pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration procedures at their departure airports in Pakistan.
This streamlines the travel process by eliminating the need for immigration formalities upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Pakistani and Saudi governments, aimed at facilitating a smoother pilgrimage experience.
To mark the launch of the second phase, the arriving pilgrims were welcomed at Jeddah airport by Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, along with Consul General Khalid Majid, Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, and senior officials of the Consulate General of Pakistan.
Bouquets were presented to the pilgrims as a gesture of hospitality.
This year, approximately 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will benefit from the Road to Makkah initiative.
Of these, 28,000 will depart from Islamabad and 22,500 from Karachi, spread across 180 flights — 100 from Islamabad and 80 from Karachi.
Comprehensive arrangements, including accommodation, medical services, and support staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have been made to ensure the pilgrims’ comfort and safety throughout their journey.
Read More: Pakistan Launches Hajj Flight Operations for 2025
Earlier in April, a Saudi immigration team visited Pakistan to set up pre-clearance facilities at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Islamabad International Airport, enabling the initiative’s smooth rollout.
For 2025, Pakistan’s Haj quota was set at 179,210 pilgrims, making it one of the largest globally.
Half of this quota was allocated to private Haj operators, but only 23,000 pilgrims were able to travel under the private scheme this year.
Haj, one of Islam’s five fundamental pillars, draws millions of Muslims from around the world each year.
Also Read: Saudi Hajj Rules Push PM Shehbaz to Overhaul Pakistan Hajj
The continued cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia through initiatives like Road to Makkah is seen as a major step forward in improving the experience for Pakistani pilgrims.
