ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday inaugurated a new chancery building for its consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah, underlining the government’s resolve to improve consular services for millions of Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdom.

The inauguration was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as Islamabad strengthens diplomatic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, home to one of Pakistan’s largest overseas communities and a key source of remittances.

During the ceremony, Dar praised the efforts of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah and acknowledged the support of Saudi authorities in completing the project, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

“The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the new chancery building in a small and graceful ceremony in Jeddah,” the statement said.

“He emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating overseas Pakistanis through provision of effective consular services,” it added.

The ceremony included the hoisting of Pakistan’s flag, a tree plantation at the chancery premises, ribbon cutting and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, followed by prayers for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Dar later reviewed the facilities and authorized the transfer of consular operations to the new chancery at the earliest, expressing satisfaction over the completion of the project.

Western Saudi Arabia is home to around 1.8 million Pakistanis, said the statement, adding that the new building is expected to ease access to consular and administrative services for the community.