By Amir Muhammad Khan
JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Consul General in Jeddah, Syed Musafi Rabbani, has said that a new consulate building, closer coordination, and improved outreach will strengthen support for the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at an introductory meeting with journalists from the Pakistan Journalists Forum, the oldest organization representing Pakistani media professionals in the kingdom, Rabbani emphasized that the primary role of the consulate is to provide the best facilities to Pakistanis while ensuring they understand both local laws and their own legal rights. He described the media as a vital bridge between the consulate and the wider community.
“You have been living here for a long time,” he told the journalists. “We hope you will provide guidance so the Pakistani community can receive the best facilities in the shortest possible time.” Rabbani said the new consulate building in Jeddah and the western region of Saudi Arabia would provide modern facilities, a project achieved through the efforts of previous ambassadors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance.
He noted that during the relocation, passport and Nadra services would be suspended for two holidays or up to five days, with only travel documents and death certificates being issued as usual. The journalists suggested the consulate should better promote Pakistani products such as mangoes and quinoa in the Saudi market. Rabbani assured them that future exhibitions would be planned to match seasonal availability.
He also announced a dedicated email address for community concerns, which would be forwarded directly to the relevant departments for action. On labor export, he said consulate welfare officers were actively meeting institutions across cities to address manpower needs, and urged the community to report requirements and problems through the new channel.
Rabbani highlighted that around 5,000 Pakistanis were currently imprisoned in western Saudi Arabia, with roughly 70 percent involved in narcotics-related cases. He said some fines were covered by the welfare fund, while others were settled by local philanthropists at the consulate’s request.
The meeting, which lasted over two hours, also covered community issues, consulate performance, and future plans. A dedicated space for journalists had been set up in the new consulate building. Members of the forum thanked Rabbani and expressed hope that such engagement would continue.
