- The government is considering the evacuation of Pakistanis via neighboring countries.
- PM orders Pak embassy to establish information desk and helpline.
- “CMU must remain operational in Syria and neighboring countries.”
Citing the tense security situation in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered concerned authorities to develop an action plan for the safe evacuation of Pakistanis wishing to return from Syria, via neighboring countries, as soon as possible. possible.
Syrian rebel fighters rushed toward Damascus unopposed on Sunday, toppling President Assad and ending his family’s nearly six decades of iron-fisted rule after a lightning advance that turned the tide of a civil war 13 years old.
The Prime Minister was chairing a meeting to review the current situation in Syria and the safe evacuation of Pakistanis present in the country.
“All possible measures must be taken to ensure the safe evacuation of Pakistanis from Syria,” the Prime Minister stressed.
The security of lives and properties of Pakistanis in Syria is our top priority, the Prime Minister said, directing the authorities to use all available resources for this purpose.
He also asked the Pakistan Embassy in Damascus to establish an information desk and helpline to help Pakistanis.
Until the security situation improves, the crisis management unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the information offices of Pakistan’s embassies in Syria and neighboring countries should remain operational 24 hours a day, a ordered the Prime Minister.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and senior officials of the relevant departments.
“We are closely monitoring developments in Syria,” the Foreign Ministry said a day ago, adding: “Pakistani nationals are safe in Syria and have been advised to exercise caution .The Pakistani Embassy in Syria is open to any support and advice.
An FO spokesperson said: “Pakistan has always supported the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and our principled position has not changed. »
“For the moment, Damascus airport is closed. Our embassy remains in contact with stranded Pakistani nationals, including Zairians (devotees). It will facilitate their return once the airport opens,” he concludes.
Nearly 250 Pakistani pilgrims were left stranded in the troubled country as flights to Lahore and other cities were canceled by airlines.
The ministry had also activated a CMU to facilitate the presence of Pakistanis in Syria.
Pakistani nationals in Syria and their families have been asked to contact CMU by telephone at 051-9207887 and by email at (email protected).