Islamabad: Saudi government has announced that Umrah visa for Pakistani pilgrims has been extended up to 90 days and more sites in Makkah and Madinah will be opened to promote religious tourism.
Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah said the pilgrims coming to the kingdom from Pakistan will be facilitated during their religious pilgrimage.
He added that another 100 historical and religious places are being opened in the two holy cities to promote religious tourism.
During a joint press conference with caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, Dr Tawfiq also spoke about Riyadh’s efforts to reduce Hajj expenses for pilgrims, as both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy brotherly relations.
During his stay in Pakistan, the minister said he held discussions on many important issues, while civil aviation authorities of the two countries signed an agreement according to which the number of flights between the two countries would be increased.
His Pakistan counterpart demanded that Pakistanis above 65 years of age desiring to perform Hajj and Umrah be exempted from the biometric condition. He said he requested the provision of alternative sites for Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah due to an extension in the premises of the two holy mosques.