Pilgrims, Pakistani officials laud swift immigration process for Hajj

ISLAMABAD: Several pilgrims and Pakistani officials appreciated the swift and hassle-free immigration process at the Islamabad airport on Monday, as part of measures introduced under Saudi Arabia’s Road to Makkah initiative.
The move follows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan in February this year, wherein he had announced plans to include Islamabad in the project and was on the personal request of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Under the project, all pilgrims traveling to the Kingdom for Hajj can clear immigration in Pakistan, instead of having to do so on arrival in Saudi.
Pakistani Hajj pilgrims who reached Saudi Arabia in recent weeks appreciated the Road to Makkah project, lauding the smooth, pre-departure immigration and other facilities in Makkah and Madinah.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Raja Ali Ejaz said: “It is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for this hospitality to the Kingdom, to his Majesty, the King for giving us this opportunity to be part of Road to Makkah (project).” 
The facility will be introduced to other Pakistani airports in the future.