Chartered Plane Evacuates 318 Pakistanis Stranded in Syria
A special chartered plane carrying 318 Pakistanis, stranded in Syria due to the escalating crisis, safely landed at Islamabad International Airport (IIA) early Friday morning. The evacuees had initially reached Lebanon and were flown to Pakistan from Beirut.
Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, along with officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Overseas Pakistanis, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), warmly welcomed the returning citizens.
To assist the evacuees, a dedicated desk by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis was established at the airport. Passengers were also provided with refreshments and transportation for their onward journeys home.
Government Efforts in Evacuation
Speaking at the airport, Ahsan Iqbal credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the successful evacuation, highlighting his relentless efforts, including daily reviews and direct engagement with international counterparts. The Prime Minister personally reached out to Lebanon’s Prime Minister to ensure smooth evacuation arrangements, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar coordinated with the Turkish Foreign Minister for additional support.
In line with the Prime Minister’s directives, an emergency action plan was implemented, utilizing all available resources to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of stranded citizens.
Support Measures for Pakistani Nationals in Syria
The government has also established a crisis management unit and a 24/7 information desk at the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus to address the needs of Pakistanis remaining in Syria. An active helpline has been set up to provide real-time assistance.
“This initiative reflects the spirit that Pakistanis are never left alone in times of crisis,” Ahsan Iqbal emphasized. “We share in the joys and sorrows of the Pakistani nation, wherever they may be.”
The minister assured that protecting the lives and properties of Pakistanis in Syria remains the government’s top priority, and further evacuation efforts will continue as the situation demands.
