In a move aimed at easing the journey for Pakistani pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia, Islamabad and Riyadh have sealed an agreement to streamline immigration procedures. Under the accord, intending pilgrims will receive immigration facilities in Pakistan and will be exempted from lengthy processes upon arrival at Saudi airports.
Initially implemented at Islamabad International Airport, the service is expected to benefit approximately 26,000 pilgrims. Plans are underway to extend this convenience to airports in Karachi and Lahore as well.
The agreement, signed at the Prime Minister’s House, saw Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr. Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Dawood formalizing the arrangement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki were present to witness the ceremony, along with other dignitaries including Minister for Religious Affairs Talha Mahmood and Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti.
In addition to simplifying pilgrimage procedures, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also addressed the issuance of passports to Burmese Muslims residing in the Kingdom. Recognizing the challenges faced by this community, both nations agreed to facilitate the renewal of passports, enhancing their legal status.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif and the Saudi dignitary exchanged souvenirs, marking the strengthening of bilateral ties.
**Prime Minister Criticizes Imran Khan**
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif took to Twitter to criticize Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, attributing the recent unrest on May 9 to Khan’s inflammatory rhetoric. Sharif accused Khan of leveraging religious rhetoric to incite violence and attack state institutions.
Sharif’s tweet underscored the need to reject Khan’s divisive tactics, urging citizens to stand against the politicization of religion and violence. Using the hashtag ‘Say No To 9th May’, Sharif’s message echoed calls for unity and stability in the face of political turbulence.
