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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan announce plan to increase flights, slash costs

The new agreement is aimed at improving the overall experience for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign agreement to increase flight frequency and reduce costs for Umrah pilgrims

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has announced the signing of a new agreement with Pakistan.

The massive deal will see an increase flight frequency between the two countries as well as reduced costs for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan.

A high-ranking Saudi delegation, led by Minister Al-Rabiah, came on a four-day visit to the South Asian coun.

The minister is set to inaugurate the Nusuk Exhibition in Karachi, a platform that streamlines procedures for pilgrims, providing them with the freedom to select their accommodations and services.

The Nusuk platform will expedite Umrah visa issuance within 24 hours and extend visa periods from 30 to 90 days, Al-Rabiah said.

“The Pakistani pilgrims can visit the tourist, historical and cultural places, and visit any region in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to make Umrah an unforgettable historical experience,” he added.

The Nusuk exhibition, set to open in Karachi, will be a prominent gathering for Saudi and Pakistani tourist and Umrah companies.

Minister Al-Rabiah also spoke of the historic relations between the two countries, nurtured under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Umrah and Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan

These relations have contributed to a remarkable increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims from the country, exceeding one million last year.

The meetings between the officials of the two countries also delved into the potential expansion of Pakistan’s Hajj quota, contingent on the results of the country’s latest census.

Discussions during the visit encompassed matters concerning facilities for pilgrims and the prospective extension of the Makkah Road project to other Pakistani cities.

The Saudi delegation also had meetings with the President, Caretaker Prime Minister, and the Chief of Army Staff.

Upon their arrival, Minister Al-Rabiah was welcomed by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed, and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Al-Maliki.

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