RIYADH: The Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh is extending its assistance to Pakistani nationals by offering passport-related services outside the Diplomatic Quarter.
Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ejaz said: “A large number of Pakistanis continue to visit the embassy for consular services and purchase of tickets for special repatriation flights, which are being operated for various cities in Pakistan to repatriate Pakistani nationals.”
The envoy said that due to coronavirus restrictions, police in the Diplomatic Quarter are allowing no more than 50 Pakistani nationals to enter at one time.
He added that the surge in visits follows the sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) tickets from the embassy and resumption of consular services five days a week after almost three months of lockdown.
The envoy said that repatriation had been stepped up to two PIA special flights, each carrying 140 passengers, which departed from Riyadh for Multan on June 9.
So far the mission has coordinated the repatriation of 2,494 passengers through 14 special flights.
The Pakistani government has started a series of special flights to repatriate Pakistanis stranded in countries, including Saudi Arabia.
In the Kingdom, the special flights are being coordinated by the embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah.
The number of special flights from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan has been increased to hasten the repatriation process, the embassy said.
In line with the directive of Prime Minister Imran Khan for early repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, the Foreign Ministry will continue its repatriation efforts until complete, it added.
