Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued urgent directives for the immediate evacuation of Pakistanis stranded in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Pakistani government is prioritizing its citizens’ safety amid fears of instability in the war-torn region.
Action Plan for Evacuation
During a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Monday, PM Shehbaz instructed authorities to develop and implement a comprehensive evacuation plan. He emphasized using neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon, to facilitate the return of Pakistani nationals.
“All possible steps should be taken to ensure the safe evacuation of Pakistanis from Syria,” said the prime minister. “The safety of Pakistanis’ lives and property in Syria is our top priority.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated to coordinate with the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus. The embassy has established an information desk and helpline to provide support to stranded citizens, including pilgrims (Zaireen).
Lebanon Steps In to Assist Evacuation
In a significant development, PM Shehbaz secured the support of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati for the evacuation process. The Lebanese government has agreed to allow Pakistanis to enter Beirut via a land route and provide assistance for their onward journey to Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz praised Lebanon’s cooperation, stating, “Prime Minister Mikati has assured me that Pakistanis will be welcomed in Beirut and their stay will be facilitated until they can return home.”
Approximately 200-250 Pakistani pilgrims are currently stranded in Damascus, as the city’s airport has been shut down due to the conflict.
Fall of Assad Regime Sparks Crisis
The crisis erupted after Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a lightning offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad and ended over five decades of Assad family rule. The sudden regime change has plunged the region into uncertainty, with reports of widespread looting and celebrations in Damascus.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Assad and his family fled to Moscow. Meanwhile, HTS has declared control over Damascus, marking a turning point in Syria’s decade-long civil war.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring
PM Shehbaz has instructed MOFA and Pakistani embassies in Syria and neighboring countries to maintain round-the-clock operations to assist citizens. The government is deploying all available resources to ensure an efficient evacuation.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and other senior officials participated in Monday’s meeting to strategize the evacuation.
Humanitarian Appeal
Speaking at an event later, PM Shehbaz reiterated his commitment to protecting Pakistanis. “Their lives and property are our foremost concern,” he said.
Syria’s ongoing conflict has already claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions. The Pakistani government’s swift response aims to ensure that its citizens do not become further casualties of this devastating war.
As efforts to evacuate stranded Pakistanis intensify, the government remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard its people amid the crisis.
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