ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced on Sunday that the “Makkah Route Initiative” will be expanded to additional Pakistani cities for Hajj 2027.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Pakistani Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, to review hajj arrangements. The Makkah Route Initiative, also known as the “Road to Makkah” project, streamlines the journey by allowing pilgrims to complete immigration and travel formalities at their local departure airports, saving several hours upon arrival in the Kingdom.

“The scope of the Road to Makkah project will be extended to other cities of Pakistan for the next Hajj,” the Minister asserted, expressing gratitude to the Saudi leadership for introducing annual innovations to facilitate the 119,000 pilgrims travelling under the official scheme.

Currently, the service operates out of Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. However, the Ulema Council Pakistan (UCP) has formally requested the inclusion of Faisalabad in the next phase of the project. Ullema Council Pakistan’s Chairman Sahibzada Zahid Mahmood Qasmi noted that Faisalabad’s historic ties with the Saudi royalty and its large population justify the extension of these streamlined facilities to local residents.

The government reaffirmed that all logistical arrangements, including high-quality food, transport, and accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, have been finalized to ensure a seamless experience for the faithful.