By Syed Mussarat Khalil.
Jeddah- Pakistan’s federal minister of the Interior, Rana Sanaullah Khan arrived at the invitation of Consul General Khalid Majeed at the Pakistan consulate in Jeddah. He was warmly welcomed by Consul General Khalid Majeed, Ambassador of Pakistan Amir Khurram Rathore, and Consulate officers, staff, community members and media representatives. Rana Sanaullah was visiting Saudi Arabia with their family to perform Umrah. They all congratulated him on performing Umrah also.
During the meeting, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah addressed the community members and media representatives and learned about the problems faced by Overseas Pakistanis, especially the Jeddah community. He paid tribute to Ambassador of Pakistan Amir Khurram Rathore and Consul General of Pakistan Khalid Majeed that who are fulfilling their responsibilities in Saudi Arabia very well and are always busy solving the problems of Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia. He also assured the community to solve the possible problems soon.
He said that I also had a meeting with my Saudi counterpart, which was very good. The positive results of which will be revealed soon. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are linked in spiritual and external relations. He urged the community to respect Saudi laws. On the question of giving the right to vote to overseas Pakistanis, he said that we are not against it. Overseas compatriots are valued with heart and soul. But there are complications in using the vote overseas. I am sure all the problems will be overcome soon.
Among the community members and media representatives, Syed Riaz Bukhari discussed community issues, Sardar Nasr Iqbal on the release of prisoners in Saudi jails, Malik Shamsuddin Altaf on the transfer and resettlement of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and patriotic Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh’s camp since 1971.
Ahmad Fawad Swati asked about releasing a Pakistani, Chaudhry Shafqat Mehmood questioned to select of experienced staff in the consulate, Chaudhry Riaz Ghumman asked about the return of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan, Chaudhry Akram Gujjar on the lack of resources of the consulate and reserved seats in the parliament for overseas Pakistani and journalist anchor Hafiz Irfan Khatana informed about the views of some members of parliament about the lack of familiarity with the problems of overseas Pakistanis.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah answered all the questions very politely and said that I will go and solve the problems related to my ministry like passport, NADRA etc. at the earliest. Earlier, the ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, which was blessed by journalist Ahmed Fawad Swati. The Consul General welcomed all the guests and participants and thanked the Chief Guest Rana Sanaullah Khan and Ambassador of Pakistan Amir Khurram Rathore. In the end, guests and participants were entertained with tea and refreshment.
