The Ministry of Religious Affairs has released the schedule of Hajj flights under the government scheme on Wednesday. In a statement, Senator Talha Mehmood announced that Pakistan will start Hajj flights operation 2023 from May 21. The first Hajj flight under the government scheme will depart from Islamabad on Sunday. According to the spokesperson of MoRA, the intending pilgrims will leave for Saudi Arabia from Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.

Similarly, the first Hajj flight from Sialkot will depart on Monday, Multan on Tuesday and Quetta on next Wednesday. The intending pilgrims will depart for KSA from Rahim Yar Khan on June 6 and on June 7 from Sukkur. The last Hajj flight will depart on June 20, he added.

Road to Makkah project

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit. According to a statement, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah received the Saudi Deputy Interior Minister at Noor Khan Airbase. During his stay, the distinguished Saudi official was scheduled to finalize and sign an agreement pertaining to the “Road to Makkah” project. This initiative is expected to mark a major milestone in simplifying and streamlining immigration processes for pilgrims, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

In addition to the signing ceremony, Dr. Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood was also expected to hold meetings with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, and the Chief of Army Staff. Under this project, pilgrims will be provided easy and hassle-free immigration facilities. 42,000 Hujjaj will be facilitated under the agreement. It is pertinent to mention here that Saudi Arabia has launched the ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative in five countries including Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco and Bangladesh.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP