Karachi, May 13, 2024,The launch of the Makkah Route Initiative at Jinnah International Airport in Pakistan aims to facilitate pilgrims’ journeys, stated the Director General of Passports, Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya. This recent step makes Karachi the second airport in Pakistan to benefit from the initiative.
Al-Yahya, who is also Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, emphasized the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device, equipped with AI and innovative digital solutions, to streamline procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative.
The Ministry of Interior continues this initiative for the sixth year as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, across 11 airports in seven countries. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims in the beneficiary countries.
Governor of Pakistan’s Sindh Province Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy attended the launch of the initiative at Jinnah International Airport.
The Makkah Route Initiative, one of several initiatives undertaken by the ministry of interior, is implemented in collaboration with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media. Government entities involved in the initiative’s implementation include the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA).