The Saudi ambassador to Pakistan said on Friday that the ban on entry of Umrah pilgrims would be lifted soon.

Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has suspended its Umrah operation till March 15.

Ambassador Nawaf bin Said al-Malki said the ban on pilgrims entry is a temporary one which will be scrapped once the situation arising out of the coronavirus spread improves. He said that Pakistani pilgrims will not need to renew their Umrah visas as they can use their existing visas once the travel restrictions are gone.

The ambassador said the

Saudi Arabia on Thursday placed an immediate ban on Umrah pilgrims travelling from the countries where coronavirus cases have been confirmed including Pakistan.

Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has suspended its Umrah operation till March 15.

In the wake of the novel coronavirus spread, following the Saudi Airlines the PIA issued a directive regarding the Umrah pilgrims, suspending the Umrah operation till 15 March.

The national flag carrier put on hold not only the travellers seeking Umrah but also those who wished to go to Jeddah and Madinah on visit visas.