In a significant development, a high-level Saudi delegation is set to visit Karachi Airport on February 26 as part of the Road to Makkah project. The delegation, led by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, will focus on reviewing the immigration and baggage clearance process for Hajj pilgrims.

Under the Road to Makkah initiative, which aims to streamline the Hajj pilgrimage process, the Saudi delegation will hold meetings with officials from various departments including the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Immigration, Customs, Airport Security Force (ASF), and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).

During the visit, the delegation will conduct a comprehensive survey of the facilities and allocated areas at Karachi Airport. This evaluation is crucial for assessing the readiness of the airport to handle immigration procedures for Hajj pilgrims.

Following the delegation’s report, there are indications that immigration clearance for Hajj pilgrims may begin locally at Karachi Airport this year. This move follows the successful implementation of immigration clearance at Islamabad Airport under the Road to Makkah Project, marking a significant shift in the Hajj travel process for Pakistani pilgrims.