The ‘Route Makkah’ initiative has been introduced to facilitate intending pilgrims by completing the Saudi immigration process at their home airports prior to departure.

This was stated by Dr Syed Ata ur Rehman, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, during an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan Correspondent Abdul Rehman Cheema in Islamabad on Thursday.

He explained that under this initiative, Saudi immigration officials are stationed at Pakistani airports, enabling pilgrims to complete the entire immigration process before boarding their flights.

The Secretary added that upon arrival in the Kingdom, the intending pilgrims proceed directly to their accommodations without undergoing additional immigration checks. Their luggage is also transported separately, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free transfer to their residences.

Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman further told that, as was the case last year, pilgrims are being provided with SIM cards in Pakistan. These SIM cards include special data packages, allowing WhatsApp calls upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

He pointed out that, despite restrictions on WhatsApp calls by local telecom operators in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony of Pakistan has made special arrangements through agreements to ensure this service remains accessible to Pakistani pilgrims.

To a question about the quality of meals, Dr Syed Ata ur Rehman noted that the Ministry received positive feedback from last year’s Hajj and has taken further steps to enhance the food menu this year. He highlighted that a buffet system has been introduced and special efforts have been made to incorporate flavours representing different regions of Pakistan.

It is worth noting that the ‘Route Makkah’ initiative aims to deliver high-quality services to the Guests of Allah from beneficiary countries by streamlining their procedures with ease and convenience. This includes collecting biometric data, issuing Hajj visas electronically, and completing passport formalities at the airports in their countries of departure.