By Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have come together to strengthen their aviation ties by signing an Air Services Agreement (ASA). This significant agreement was inked by Khaqan Murtaza, the Director General of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and Abdul Aziz Al Duailej, the President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Witnessed by key figures including Caretaker Adviser to the Prime Minister on Aviation Farhat Hussain Malik, Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, and Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, this agreement aims to foster cooperation in the aviation sector between the two nations. This collaboration is expected to promote trade and economic growth.
During their meeting, Saudi Minister Al Rabiah discussed opportunities and challenges related to accommodating Pakistani visitors. He highlighted the increasing number of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s efforts to improve their experience, such as renovating historical sites in Madinah.
On the other side, Minister Aneeq Ahmed expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for reinstating Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota and requested an increase in the quota due to Pakistan’s growing population. He also advocated for expanding the Makkah Route Initiative in Pakistan, a project that streamlines Hajj procedures for pilgrims, benefiting over 26,000 Pakistanis at Islamabad airport.
This agreement, signed in Islamabad, holds promise for positive outcomes, particularly for Pakistani pilgrims, according to Minister Aneeq Ahmed. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s dedication to providing top-notch services to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and urged further facilities at Mina and Arafat. Additionally, he called for an alternative location for the construction of Pakistan House, as the previous site was integrated into the Haram extension.
In response, the Saudi Minister emphasized efforts to reduce Hajj expenses and announced that Umrah visas for Pakistanis would now be valid for 90 days, allowing pilgrims to explore Saudi Arabia’s historical sites in addition to performing Umrah. He assured an increase in flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as part of the agreement.
