Saudi officials review Hajj management
Saudi ambassador commends Road to Makkah project for easing pilgrims journey
ISLAMABAD: Saudi officials gathered to discuss crowd-management and other issues in preparation for the upcoming Hajj. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Ayoubi, assistant president for Technical and Field Service Affairs of the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, held the meeting with leaders of related agencies.
Al-Ayoubi said the challenge is to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims to places for prayer, especially in the Grand Mosque and its courtyards. He said the presidency would use special spray fans to help cool pilgrims during their rituals, Arab News reported. He urged the officials to work together, ensure all equipment has spare parts in case of emergency repairs, and oversee regular inspections. Al-Ayoubi added that officials should also ensure that adequate numbers of workers are contracted for the Hajj period.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan H E Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, in a significant development, praised the Road to Makkah project as a remarkable initiative that has brought immense relief to the intending pilgrims.
Speaking exclusively to APP, the ambassador expressed his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman for launching this highly efficient facility. The project aimed at enhancing the ease and comfort of intending pilgrims from seven countries, namely Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Ivory Coast, he added. Highlighting the meticulous management of the project, the ambassador revealed that it was closely supervised by Saudi Minister for Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud. He further announced that this year alone, 26,000 pilgrims would benefit from the service provided at the Islamabad International Airport. Notably, the immigration process would be completed in Islamabad, saving valuable waiting time at the Saudi airports, he maintained.
Expressing optimism, Ambassador Al-Malki also shared his hopes for the expansion of this exceptional facility to other major cities in Pakistan, including Lahore and Karachi, by next year adding that such an expansion would further streamline the journey of intending pilgrims and contribute to their overall experience. Praying for the stability and prosperity of Pakistan, the ambassador conveyed his belief that the nation would rise to become a global leader in the coming years as these words of encouragement further solidify the strong bond between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In a related development, Saudi Press Attache Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi took to Twitter to share a video clip showcasing the dedicated staff members of the Road to Makkah project from Saudi Arabia. https://twitter.com/dr_naif777/status/1660579953405198337?s=48&t=ZDee3xmTnmDx_tvUcALw8g The clip highlighted the team leaders instructions to greet intending pilgrims with warm smiles and gentle hospitality.
Stressing the importance of performing their duties with honesty and devotion, the team leader emphasized that their selfless service to the intending pilgrims would be rewarded by the Almighty. The arrival of intending pilgrims at the Islamabad International Airport has been marked by a heartwarming gesture: a warm welcome and the presentation of garlands. This kind and affectionate reception from the Saudi staff members have multiplied the love and admiration for Saudi Arabia in the hearts of the pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey.
The Road to Makkah project has undoubtedly emerged as a game-changer, offering a streamlined and comfortable experience to the intending pilgrims. With its successful implementation and plans for future expansion, it stands as a testament to the strong commitment of Saudi Arabia to facilitate and support the spiritual journey of Muslims worldwide. APP
