Saudi diplomat barred from boarding flight at Islamabad airport for carrying currency exceeding $5,000

Authorities at Islamabad International Airport recently prevented a Saudi diplomat from boarding a flight to Riyadh after discovering that he was carrying currency exceeding the permitted limit of $5,000. The diplomat, identified as an Attaché and Protocol Officer of the Saudi Embassy, was scheduled to travel via Saudi Airlines flight SV-725 on May 29.

Reports indicate that the diplomat was found in possession of SAR 958,125, equivalent to approximately $255,388 as of June 26. He claimed to have obtained this amount from selling his personal vehicle, a fact supported by a letter from the embassy explaining the source of the funds and requesting leniency.

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Despite the embassy’s plea, airport authorities informed the diplomat that carrying more than $5,000 in foreign currency was not permissible. They instructed him to return the excess amount to embassy personnel. However, the Attaché refused to comply, leading to his denial of boarding the flight. The incident underscores the strict adherence to currency regulations at international airports, ensuring compliance with national and international laws governing the transport of large sums of money across borders