Facelift for Pakistan embassy premises

The government of Pakistan has approved the renovation of Pakistani missions in the Emirates to service a community that has expanded from 300,000 to 1.2 million in the past two decades.

The renovation work is expected to start in two to three months.

The embassy is currently searching for a new home for the consul general in Dubai, as his existing residence, which is within the premises of the consulate, will be renovated and merged with the consular section.

"We are going to add on, making a huge room to accommodate 800 people at a time at the embassy's premises for different consular services," said Jamil Ahmed Khan, the ambassador.

Mr Khan said he had received approval just three weeks ago to go ahead with the project.

The government has already approved Dh20 million for the consul general's new residence.

Two decades ago, when members of the Pakistani community first came to the Emirates, the population was about 300,000.

By 2007 it had increased to 700,000 and now stands at about 1.2 million.

anwar@thenational.ae