The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew remained safe during the incident. Following standard safety procedures, the aircraft was emptied and dispatched back to Pakistan.

A PIA spokesperson said the passengers were accommodated at a local hotel in Dammam and would continue their journey to Lahore on an alternate flight scheduled for 10:00 pm.

The flight, PK-860, was diverted as a precaution after the fault was detected, and airport authorities declared an emergency to facilitate the safe landing. No injuries or further incidents were reported.

PIA sources emphasised that the airline was taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers, and the replacement flight was arranged promptly to minimize disruption.