Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — No Pakistani Umrah pilgrim is stranded in the Kingdom, Pakistani Consul General Khalid Majid has said. Saudi authorities have allowed all airlines to complete Umrah operation to transfer Pakistani pilgrims, he said while speaking at a press conference at the consulate premises here on Sunday.

The consulate, he said, has taken appropriate measures to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. He thanked Saudi authorities for realizing the brevity of the situation and taking quick action in this regard. The consul general also thanked the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince for showing utmost care and wellbeing toward the pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques.

Last week there were around 40,000 Umrah pilgrims. The figure came down to 15,000 today (Sunday) which shows that the Umrah pilgrims are flying back gradually, he said.

Regarding the stay of the Umrah pilgrims, the consul general said local travel agents have been directed by the Saudi authorities to accommodate the pilgrims till their flights are rescheduled. Any travel agent not adhering to the directives will be penalized. Similarly, the consulate has also directed the President Travel Agent Association in Pakistan to reschedule the flights on priority. He said Saudi Arabian Airline is rescheduling the flights without any additional financial charges, while PIA has also communicated that they will reschedule tickets without any additional financial charges except some local mandatory taxes.

With regard to Umrah pilgrims whose visa may expire due to a delay caused by current flight rescheduling, Saudi authorities have assured due sympathetic consideration and resolve such cases.

Khalid Majid said the consulate has formed a committee comprising of deputy consul general, director Haj and consul welfare to look after the complaints of the Umrah pilgrims. He said all the three officers have attended around 5,000 calls in last three days and provide services to the pilgrims. Additionally,four desks have also been established at Jeddah Airport, Haj Office Makkah, Pakistan House in Madinah and a medical assistance desk in Makkah to cater to the complaints of the Umrah pilgrims.

The consul general said the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has said that the consulate will be notified immediately as and when any Pakistani pilgrim is quarantined.

Director General Haj Ibrar Ahmed Mirza and Director Haj Sajid Masood Asjadi were also present during the press briefing.