Islamabad, December 11, 2024 – The Europe Today: The Foreign Office has informed the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs that urgent steps are underway to evacuate Pakistanis stranded in Syria. As part of the evacuation efforts, 170 out of 180 Pakistani pilgrims have already been safely transported from Syria to Lebanon.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Parliamentary Party Leader of PML-N in the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, announced the progress in a statement on the platform X.
The committee was briefed that over 700 Pakistani families currently reside in Syria, with necessary assistance being extended to those seeking help. It was further assured that the Pakistani embassy in Syria, staffed with twelve members, remains fully operational and safe amid the crisis.
Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s communication with the Lebanese prime minister, the Lebanese government has started issuing visas at the border for Pakistani nationals. Those evacuated are being transported to Beirut by bus.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also engaged with the Turkish Foreign Minister to discuss the safety and wellbeing of Pakistanis stranded in Syria.
In addition, Prime Minister Sharif has instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to arrange special flights to repatriate Pakistanis from Beirut to Pakistan.
The Senate Standing Committee commended the proactive efforts of the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It emphasized the need to closely monitor the evolving situation in Syria and ensure the continued evacuation and safety of all Pakistani citizens.
