MADINAH — Pakistan's Consul General Aftab A. Khokher has promised his compatriots in Madinah that he will hold regular meetings with their representatives in the holy city with the aim of improving services provided to the community. He was speaking at a reception organized in his honor by Pakistanis living in Madinah and nearby places. People from all walks of life attended the reception. The consul general said he aims at providing maximum comfort to overseas Pakistanis living in western Saudi Arabia, especially in Madinah. He expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his continued commitment and interest in promoting fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as well as ensuring the welfare of the Pakistani community living in the Kingdom. Khokher said all Pakistani residents who live and work in the country in breach of Saudi regulations must avail of the opportunity to regularize their legal status within the three-month grace period granted by King Abdullah. He said Saudi labor authorities are extending full support to Pakistani workers with regard to the change of profession and sponsorship transfer within this period. The participants asked the consul general questions on a wide range of issues during an interactive session. They apprised him about various problems faced by the community and made suggestions to improve consular services in Madinah. Khokher also informed the community that Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan attaches the highest priority to the provision of school and sports facilities to the community at large, especially to Pakistanis living in Madinah. The ambassador has held several meetings with the Madinah Emir in the past and will have another meeting soon. In his opening remarks, Press Consul Sohail Ali Khan welcomed the consul general and introduced him to the audience.
