ISLAMABAD: A total of 318 Pakistani citizens stranded in conflict-ridden Syria were successfully evacuated and brought back to Islamabad early Friday under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The evacuees, including pilgrims and civilians caught in Syria’s ongoing conflict, arrived aboard a special chartered flight operated by a private Georgian airline. The flight departed from Beirut, Lebanon, and landed at Islamabad International Airport at 1:15 am on December 13.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Lebanon, Salman Athar, along with embassy staff, personally oversaw the evacuation process at Beirut Airport. Upon arrival in Islamabad, the returnees were warmly welcomed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
A special assistance desk and refreshment area were arranged at the airport to facilitate the passengers.
The evacuation operation was carried out under the direct supervision of PM Shehbaz Sharif. In a statement, the prime minister emphasized that the safe return of citizens from Syria was a top priority for his government. He expressed gratitude to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati for providing buses and logistical support for the transfer of evacuees to Beirut.
“This comprehensive evacuation plan underscores our government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens, no matter where they are,” PM Shehbaz remarked, lauding the efforts of the NDMA, foreign office, and Pakistani embassies in Syria and Lebanon.
The government reported that approximately 2,000 Pakistanis reside in Syria, with over 700 living with their families. To date, 475 citizens, including 250 visitors and 20 students, have successfully crossed into Lebanon from Syria.
Speaking at the airport, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts, noting that daily review meetings were held under PM Sharif’s instructions to expedite the evacuation. “This is a demonstration of the government’s unwavering resolve to protect the lives and property of its citizens abroad,” he added.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has also set up an information desk and helpline at the Pakistan Embassy in Damascus, ensuring round-the-clock support for those awaiting evacuation.
“The safe return of our citizens is not just a duty but a reflection of our shared commitment to the welfare of Pakistanis worldwide,” Iqbal said.
Further evacuation efforts are planned as the government continues to monitor the situation in Syria closely.
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