KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines informed the federal government on Tuesday it was ready to bring back Pakistani nationals imprisoned in Saudi Arabia after their release from jails there.

According to a statement, PIA president Air Marshal Arshad Malik held a meeting at the airlines’ head office here and reviewed the readiness of aircraft and other arrangements if asked to bring back the Pakistani prisoners.

“We have instructed our offices in Saudi Arabia to coordinate with the Pakistan embassy and consulates and are waiting for the government’s plan and strategy in this regard,” the statement quoted him as saying. “We will make flight planning even at a short notice.”

Air Marshal Malik also congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for making possible the release of prisoners.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2019