An agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia regarding the full implementation and expansion of the 'Mecca Highway Initiative'. In this regard, the ceremony for signing the memorandum of understanding was held on Wednesday at the Prime Minister House, Islamabad. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was present. were also present.
On behalf of Pakistan, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and on behalf of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr. Nasserbin Abdul Azizal Dawood signed the memorandum of understanding. This agreement will be a milestone in making the immigration process of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims easier and smoother. .
Earlier, in a meeting, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and Saudi Arabia's Deputy Interior Minister Nasir bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood agreed on the full implementation and expansion of the Makkah Highway project (Road to Makkah Project) in Pakistan for Hajj pilgrims and said that this project Under this, Hajj pilgrims will have the facility of immigration from Saudi Arabia in Pakistan itself.
Federal Minister of Interior Rana Sanaullah and Saudi Deputy Minister of Interior Dr. Nasir bin Abdulaziz Al-Daud held a delegation level discussion. Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rahman Kanju, Secretary Interior Syed Ali Murtaza and other officials also participated in the meeting. In this, bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and other matters of mutual interest were discussed.
In this discussion, it was agreed to start the Makkah highway initiative from Karachi and Lahore airports in the next phase so that more Pakistani Hajj pilgrims can benefit from this facility. and we are grateful to the Saudi government in this regard.
The Saudi Deputy Interior Minister said that Saudi Arabia wanted this project to be started from Pakistan first. In the meeting, it was also agreed to resolve the issue of Burmese Muslims holding Pakistani passports through mutual consultation and consent.
On the inquiry of the Interior Minister, the Saudi Deputy Interior Minister said that 108 Pakistani citizens imprisoned in Saudi jails for minor crimes have been released, while the cases of many prisoners are being examined. Promised.
In the meeting, it was agreed to further improve the relations between the ministries of interior affairs of the two countries to deal with common challenges.
Interior Minister Ranasanaullah gave lunch in honor of the Saudi delegation. Addressing the ceremony on this occasion, he said that 26,000 pilgrims will be provided facilities from Islamabad Airport under the Makkah Highway initiative. The Deputy Interior Minister has assured that this number will be increased to 40 thousand and this facility will also be provided to the pilgrims of Lahore and Karachi next year.
He said that the Pakistani people have a love relationship with the Saudi people, we have love, respect and devotion to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. It has been 75 years since Pakistan and Saudi Arabia established relations, but with the land of Hijaz. Our spiritual and emotional connection spans many centuries.
He said that Saudi Arabia is providing dignified livelihood to 2 million Pakistanis, Pakistan is playing an active role in the development and prosperity of Saudi Arabia. We would like to reiterate our determination to strengthen our friendship with Saudi Arabia. are
He said that on behalf of the entire nation and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, we pray for the health of the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques and invite Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to visit Pakistan.
On this occasion, the Saudi Deputy Defense Minister thanked his delegation for the warm welcome and hospitality and said that hospitality is a very old attribute of Pakistanis. When I started my career, I found Pakistanis good every moment. He said. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long history of mutual relations, we value them and pray for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
