Pakistan has intensified preparations for the upcoming Hajj by advancing plans to roll out the Makkah Route Initiative from Lahore for the first time. The move, confirmed by the Pakistan Airport Authority, represents a major step in improving travel convenience for pilgrims.
With this development, Lahore joins Islamabad and Karachi as participating cities in the initiative, which allows intending pilgrims to complete immigration and customs procedures within Pakistan before departure. This system enables smoother entry into Saudi Arabia, where pilgrims can proceed directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah without facing lengthy airport formalities.
As part of the preparations, a high-level coordination meeting was held at Allama Iqbal International Airport, bringing together officials from both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Representatives from immigration, customs, and security agencies discussed and finalized operational strategies for the initiative’s implementation.
According to the PAA, stakeholders stressed the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration to ensure a smooth and efficient processing system for pilgrims at every stage of travel. Discussions also covered key logistical arrangements, including the establishment of dedicated counters, designated holding areas, improved seating capacity, better queue management, and clear terminal signage.
The inclusion of Lahore comes as Pakistan prepares to airlift over 179,000 pilgrims for Hajj this year, with the first flight scheduled to depart on April 18. Authorities believe the expansion of the initiative will help reduce congestion at Saudi airports while significantly enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
Officials concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to a seamless and passenger-friendly rollout, focusing on minimizing delays and ensuring efficient movement during the peak Hajj period.
(ARAB NEWS)
