Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority contacts Saudi Arabia’s government over stranded Pakistanis in kingdom
Shares
Islamabad: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority contacts Saudi Arabia’s government over stranded Pakistanis in kingdom.As Saudi Arabia-given deadline for receiving the holder of its residency or Iqama holders is going to end tomorrow, the Civil Aviation Authority has requested the Kingdom to extend flight operation till March 25.
The CAA has sent the request to Saudi Aviation as there are over 5,000 Pakistani who want to travel to the Arab state before the deadline expires.
The CAA said that all private airlines and the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) are operating to take the passengers to Saudi Arabia, adding that they are waiting for a reply from Saudi counterpart.
Taking precautionary measures to prevent coronavirus spread, Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced to lockdown the country and gave 72-hours time to umrah pilgrims and those on visit visa to leave the country.
The kingdom, where coronavirus cases have surged to 45, also announced the same deadline for its citizens and those with valid residency to return to the country, before the travel suspension decision becomes effective.
The announcement created panic among those who were in Pakistan to spend vacations as thousands of Iqama holders thronged to offices of the airlines to get tickets.
Large queues were observed at PIA booking offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpinid, Multan and Sialkot where the passengers and staff also have heated exchange.
