Islamabad, March 22, 2020 (PPI-OT): Fifty-four Pakistani nationals scheduled to travel to Pakistan by Thai and Emirates airlines were stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday (21 March) after airlines refused to allow boarding in wake of restrictions on air travel to Pakistan. The situation became complicated as the passengers had already completed immigration formalities and were waiting for boarding. After airlines’ refusal to allow boarding, the passengers were left stranded. On receipt of information, the High Commission immediately mobilized its officers to reach out to the Malaysian Immigration authorities to facilitate the re-entry of stranded Pakistanis.
After concerted efforts, the Mission was able to accomplish re-entry of all the stranded Pakistani passengers. We owe profound thanks to Malaysian authorities for their support. After securing the release from the airport around midnight, the stranded passengers were accommodated in a local hotel and provided meals.
It may be noted that a Movement Control Order banning all non-essential movement and social interaction has been in place since 18 March in Malaysia. The role played by Mr. Ghulam Haider, First Secretary/Community Welfare Attache and Mr. Afzaal Tahir, Counsellor to mitigate a humanitarian situation is highly commendable. We are highly grateful to Government of Malaysia for their understanding and support especially under the grave circumstances.
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