The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage is set to be more streamlined for over 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims due to the expansion of the Makkah Route Initiative. Initiated in 2019, this program enables pilgrims to undergo immigration procedures at their departure airports in Pakistan, significantly reducing wait times upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Previously, the Makkah Route Initiative was available only in Islamabad. However, following successful negotiations by Pakistani officials, this beneficial program has now been extended to Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. This expansion will simplify the entry process and reduce wait times for a significantly larger number of pilgrims, enhancing their Hajj experience.

Notably, the distribution of pilgrims utilizing the Makkah Route Initiative is as follows: approximately 41,000 will participate through the government’s Hajj scheme, while the remaining 24,000 will travel with private tour operators. Both Islamabad and Karachi airports are set to manage substantial numbers, accommodating 29,500 and 35,500 pilgrims respectively, under this initiative.

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has reinstated Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota and eliminated the upper age limit. With Hajj operations in Pakistan commencing in May and the pilgrimage occurring in June, it is anticipated that over 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims will participate this year, marking a return to more inclusive and expansive Hajj access for Pakistani nationals.