Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said that it will lift ban on flights for Umrah pilgrims as soon as the COVID-19 situation improves.

Talking to Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan in Islamabad today, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki hailed the steps taken by Pakistan to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On the occasion, Ghulam Sarwar Khan has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further promote and strengthen bilateral relations with Riyadh.

He said that Pakistan will operate two flights per week to Saudi city of Abha, adding that this will further strengthen bilateral relations and promote tourism between the two countries.

Ghulam Sarwar termed the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Qatar as a positive development for regional peace and security.