By Amir Muhammad Khan
JEDDAH: The Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, invited journalists to visit the newly constructed consulate building and briefed them on the facilities being provided to Pakistanis across different departments.
Welcoming the journalists to the consulate, Rabbani explained the functions of various sections in detail and answered questions regarding the services available for the Pakistani community.
He said the new consulate building marked a significant development and represented a positive step for Pakistanis living abroad, particularly the large community based in the western region of Saudi Arabia.
Rabbani said overseas Pakistanis had faced difficulties for years because of the limited facilities and space available in the old consulate building. He added that the completion of the new premises was expected to reduce many of those problems.
According to the consul general, the building had been designed as a modern diplomatic centre with improved office arrangements and better public facilities. Spacious halls, organised service counters, enhanced security measures and a technology-equipped environment reflected the government’s focus on the needs of overseas Pakistanis, he said.
Millions of Pakistanis live in Saudi Arabia, with a large number residing in Jeddah and surrounding areas. Many depend on the consulate for passports, visas, identity cards, legal documentation and other consular services.
Rabbani said the previous building often drew complaints because of overcrowding, long queues and an unorganised system. He said the new chancery included improved waiting areas and separate counters for different services in an effort to reduce delays and congestion.
He added that if the facilities were managed effectively, they could significantly improve the overall functioning of the consulate.
The new building also reflected the close relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that the diplomatic support provided by the Saudi authorities and Pakistan’s efforts for its overseas community demonstrated cooperation between the two countries.
Rabbani said the project was a positive and welcome step that not only provided modern infrastructure but also reassured overseas Pakistanis that their concerns were being taken seriously.
Concluding the meeting, he referred to 5 May as an important day for Pakistan and said the country’s armed forces had created “a history of success” through what he described as the “Battle of Haq” and “Battle of Marsoon”. He added that efforts were under way to invite members of the Pakistani community to the consulate on 10 May in connection with the occasion.
The visiting journalists thanked the consul general and said the new consulate building reflected a positive image of Pakistan abroad and was a source of pride for Pakistanis.
