Pakistan has issued significant guidelines for its citizens doing business in Saudi Arabia.
The advisory was released by the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh. According to the statement, Pakistani nationals have been urged to remain calm under the current circumstances, avoid panic and fully respect local laws.
The embassy urged its citizens not to take any chances and to strictly follow the instructions issued by the government of Saudi Arabia, and to refrain from paying attention to rumours. Special attention has been given to the use of social media, with citizens being urged not to forward posts or comments that could go against Saudi laws. Authorities warned that legal violations could lead to serious complications.
The Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh is working round the clock and special teams have been constituted to deal with emergency situations. Staff have also been deployed at the airport in case immediate assistance is needed. Citizens who are facing any difficulty have been advised to reach out to the embassy without hesitation.
The advisory also said that the Pakistani Consulate in Jeddah is on alert and emergency helpline numbers have been issued, which will remain open 24 hours a day. Diplomatic officials assured that the safety and well-being of Pakistani citizens are their top priority.
Saudia Airline extends suspension of flights
It is pertinent to mention that Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia has announced that flights to major cities in the Gulf as well as Pakistan will remain suspended until midnight March 4.
According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, the national airline Saudia said in a statement that, in view of the regional situation, flights to Oman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow and Peshawar will remain suspended until 11:59 pm on March 4.
According to Saudia, affected passengers are being notified directly and all passengers have been instructed to get updates about their flights before leaving for the airport.
The airline stressed that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority, while further updates will be issued according to the situation.
Also read: Saudia Airline extends suspension of flights
