JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia): Consul General ,Syed Mustafa Rabbani , gave journalists a tour of the new, state-of-the-art consular building, briefing them on the facilities now available for Pakistanis across various service sectors. Welcoming the media representatives, he provided detailed explanations regarding all departments and facilities, and answered their questions.
The Consul General said the new building represents a major breakthrough and a symbol of hope for overseas Pakistanis. He noted that for years, overseas Pakistanis — particularly hundreds of thousands residing in Saudi Arabia’s western region — have faced numerous difficulties due to the consulate’s limited capacity and outdated infrastructure. With the completion of this new building, these problems are expected to significantly diminish.
Constructed as a modern and fully functional diplomatic hub, the building features more organised office spaces, with particular attention given to public amenities. Spacious halls, streamlined service counters, enhanced security systems, and a tech-equipped environment reflect the government’s serious commitment to overseas Pakistanis’ needs.
According to Consul General Rabbani, hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis live in Saudi Arabia, a large number of them in Jeddah and surrounding areas. These individuals depend on the consulate for passports, visas, national identity cards, legal documentation, and other consular services. In the past, the old building suffered from space shortages, long queues, and disorganised systems — common sources of complaint. A key objective of the new facility is to resolve these issues.
The new chancery offers improved waiting areas for the public, which will reduce overcrowding and disorder. Separate counters established for different services aim to spare people unnecessary waiting. If these facilities are managed effectively, they can bring significant improvement to the consulate’s overall functioning.
The Consul General also stressed that the building reflects the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government’s provision of diplomatic amenities and Pakistan’s steps to better serve its community demonstrate the mutual cooperation between the two nations.
In his concluding remarks, he specially mentioned May 5, saying he was pleased to meet the journalists as this day holds great importance for Pakistan — the day when brave forces achieved a historic victory in the cause of truth. He informed that efforts were being made to invite the community to the consulate on May 10 in connection with that occasion.
The journalists thanked the Consul General and remarked that the new consulate stands as a positive image of Pakistan abroad, a source of pride for every Pakistani.