Saudi Arabia has slapped a complete ban on carrying holy Zamzam water bottles by air passengers including from Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Saudi authorities at Jeddah International Airport has issued a circular to all private airlines including Pakistan’s PIA.
Only passengers travelling for Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages are allowed to carry only one five-litre bottle of Zamzam water.
The other passengers travelling on visit or business visas, tourists or other purposes are not allowed to carry Zamzam water to homeland.
According to the Saudi directive, the pilgrims will be provided Zamzam water bottles produced under King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Zamzam Water Project.
Administrations of all the airlines have been directed to ensure the order while checking travellers’ luggage.
Passengers coming to Pakistan must undergo complete screening, the circular added.
Reporter Saeed Ahmad Saeed