During their visit, citizens of Pakistan will have the opportunity to explore approximately 100 historical and religious sites in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, renowned for their significance in religious tourism. The Saudi Minister also emphasized his government's commitment to reducing the costs associated with Hajj for pilgrims, given the strong diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Minister further disclosed that civil aviation authorities from both countries have inked agreements to increase the number of flights between these two predominantly Muslim nations. Additionally, individuals over the age of 65 from Pakistan who intend to undertake Hajj and Umrah will be exempt from the biometric requirement, a request made by the Pakistani representative. He also noted that the provision of alternative accommodations for Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah is due to the expansion of the premises surrounding the two holy mosques.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage is expected to draw millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time they can fulfill their religious obligations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimates suggest that more than 2.5 million people are anticipated to embark on the pilgrimage, potentially making it the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history. This year's attendance could be double that of the previous one, which saw around one million individuals visiting the cities for religious purposes. In 2020, only 10,000 pilgrims were permitted to participate, a number that increased to 59,000 in 2021, indicating a rising trend in the number of pilgrims.
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