ISLAMABAD: A group of 26 Pakistani bikers has arrived in Makkah and performed Umrah after traveling through Iran and the United Arab Emirates, said one of its members on Tuesday while praising Saudi nationals for their generous hospitality.
The bikers decided to undertake the trip after the kingdom eased travel rules for Umrah pilgrims, extending the duration of their visas for three months and allowing them to visit other cities.
The Pakistani adventurers left Lahore on January 6 before reaching Saudi Arabia on January 21 to spend 19 days.
“It is indeed a dream come true and I am unable to tell my feelings when we entered the Holy Mosque in Makkah,” Jahangir Khan, a biker, told Arab News over the phone. “Since we arrived in Saudi Arabia about ten days back, the Saudis have showered their love, respect, and hospitality on us all the way to Makkah.”
A group photo of Pakistani bikers at Miqat in Saudi Arabia before they started moving to Makkah to perform Umrah on January 30, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Jahangir Khan)
Khan said the group stayed in Riyadh for three days where different people and communities arranged receptions for them.
“On the way to Makkah from Riyadh, it took us another three days and no one took any money from us for our food or other things,” he continued. “They called us their noble guests as we came all the way from Pakistan on bikes to perform Umrah.”
A group photo of Pakistani bikers with officials of Saudi Sports Ministry and Pakistani diplomats in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on January 30, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Jahangir Khan)
The Pakistani biker informed an international sports organizer, Khadija Malik, arranged a ceremony in Makkah for all his group members on Monday night to welcome them.
Hamzah Gilani, press counselor with Pakistan’s consulate general Jeddah, applauded the adventurers for promoting peace and a soft image of his country, saying their trip demonstrated how diplomacy extended far beyond the traditional realm of politics.
“Their journey indicates that sports and cultural activities have the potential to be even more effective tools in international relations,” he told Arab News. “This initiative is also an encouraging display of Pakistan’s commitment to forging closer relationships with other countries.”
Pakistani bikers receive honorary shield from the members of Saudi Golden Motorbike Club in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on January 30, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Jahangir Khan)
Director of the Youth House Makkah Samih Al-Nashri and Director of Ministry of Sports Hassan Attas also attended the event in Makkah.
A team of Saudi motorcyclists from Golden Motor Bikes club presented an honorary shield to the Pakistani bikers in recognition of their efforts.
