ISLAMABAD – Premier Imran Khan said on Thursday that the government has recalled the Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia named Raja Ali Ejaz, announcing a high-level probe will take place over the complaints received by the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the Roshan Digital Account ceremony in Islamabad, the premier said it is important to take a look at the cases of our laborers working outside Pakistan. Adding that he ordered a full-scale inquiry into the treatment meted out to our laborers by our embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Khan said we have called back our ambassador and other embassy staff to investigate the claims that they haven’t been helping expats. A high authority inquiry committee will see the matter. Foreign missions are bound to provide the best possible services to overseas Pakistan, especially the working class, he said while expressing displeasure.
The Prime Minister’s office also confirmed that PM had tasked the Inspection Commission to inquire into the matter and submit its report within 2 weeks.
Exclusive & Historic: PM Imran Khan’s directives on complaints of corruption against the Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and mistreatment of Pakistani Labour at the hands of the embassy staff. Also inlcudes suspension order of the Ambassador Raja Ali Ijaz. pic.twitter.com/EpTXqTzTYI
— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) April 29, 2021
A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office stated that ‘the six officers who were issued recall orders worked in the diplomatic, community welfare, and consular wings of the embassy’.
Adding that ‘The government of Pakistan attaches high importance to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. There is zero tolerance, whatsoever, for any lapse in public service delivery. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi himself oversaw the working of all diplomatic missions, particularly with regards to the services being provided to the Pakistani community, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Ambassador-designate to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Lt General (r) Bilal Akbar has replaced career diplomat Raja Ali Ejaz. He presented his credentials to the chief protocol officer at the Saudi ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday.
Reports in Pakistan’s local media further suggested that General (r) Bilal will start his preparatory meetings for the official visit of the Prime Minister next month. The premier will visit Kingdom coming month on an official visit invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
