115 bodies repatriated to Pakistan

More than 11,500 stranded Pakistanis flown back on special flights in 40 days

At least 115 bodies of Pakistani expatriates, who died in the UAE, have been repatriated to their country on special flights during the last 40 days, says a senior diplomat in Dubai.

This is in addition to the people who died of coronavirus and buried in the UAE because the local authorities do not allow repatriation of Covid-19 infected bodies, added Pakistan Consul General Ahmad Amjad Ali. He, however, did not reveal the number of Pakistanis killed due to Covid-19.

An average of three Pakistanis have lost their lives in non-Covid-19 cases every day since the special repatriation flights started on April 18.

Consul General Ali said that repatriation mission was being carried out successfully as more than 11,500 stranded Pakistanis have flown back home since the special flight operation started on April 18.

Fake travel agents

This included around 8,000 passengers who flew on 39 special flights operated by the PIA while rest of them were carried by the UAE-based airlines.

“We are trying our best to expedite the repatriation process by requesting more special flights as we still have around 57,000 people who have registered

I have received complaints that some people have received calls from people claiming to be either PIA or the consulate staff… This is all fraud as our staff do not ask for money.”

Ahmad Amjad Ali | Pakistan Consul General

with us to go back home,” he revealed.

Consul General Ali once again warned the stranded Pakistani to beware of fake travel agents who claim to have tickets for special repatriation flights.

He also warned people not to transfer money on anyone’s account. “I have received complaints that some people have received calls from people claiming to be either PIA or the consulate staff asking the passengers to transfer money in their accounts to buy tickets,” he said. “This is all fraud as our staff do not ask for money to be transferred to their personal accounts,” he made it clear.

He also clarified that no travel agent is allowed to sell tickets for the PIA’s special flights.