Amid escalating turmoil in Syria following the sudden overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, Pakistan has intensified efforts to ensure the safe return of its citizens stranded in the conflict-hit country. The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was informed that 79 of the 250 Pakistani pilgrims have successfully reached Beirut, Lebanon. Similarly, seven of the nearly 20 Pakistani teachers and students in Syria have also crossed into Lebanon.
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The evacuation comes in response to PM Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to devise a swift action plan to facilitate the safe return of Pakistani nationals. Authorities have coordinated with the Pakistani embassies in Syria and Lebanon, ensuring the provision of transport and temporary accommodation for evacuees.
Coordination with Lebanon
A significant breakthrough occurred following PM Sharif’s telephonic conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. During the call, PM Sharif sought Mikati’s support in facilitating the evacuation. Mikati assured that Lebanon would welcome Pakistani nationals and assist with their repatriation. Embassy officials have since worked diligently to transport evacuees to Beirut and arrange their flights to Pakistan.
Muhammad Nafees, an official at the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus, confirmed that 100 Pakistanis, including 80 pilgrims and 20 residents, were evacuated to the Lebanon-Syria border and will soon return to Pakistan on special flights. Civil Aviation Authority has been directed to expedite these flights.
Challenges in the Evacuation Process
The ongoing conflict in Syria has presented logistical hurdles. Syrian airports and border crossings with Jordan and Oman remain closed, complicating repatriation efforts. The embassy in Damascus has provided temporary shelter for stranded Pakistanis while flights are arranged.
The urgency of these evacuations is emphasized by the fact that over 1,300 Pakistanis were stranded last week when opposition forces seized Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia. PM Sharif reiterated his concern for the safety of all Pakistani nationals, urging swift action to bring them home.
Dramatic Changes in Syria
Syria’s political landscape has undergone a seismic shift. The rebel alliance, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has assumed control of the capital, ending five decades of Assad family rule. Mohammed al-Bashir, a former regional administrator, has been appointed interim leader until March 1.
Daily life in Damascus is slowly returning to normal, with banks reopening, traffic resuming, and construction work underway. However, Israeli airstrikes targeting former Syrian army bases have added another layer of complexity to the crisis.
Cabinet Decisions on Domestic Issues
The Pakistani federal cabinet also addressed pressing domestic concerns during the meeting. It approved settlement agreements with eight independent power plants (IPPs) using bagasse, aiming to reduce electricity tariffs. These agreements are expected to save the national exchequer Rs 238 billion and benefit consumers. In another development, PM Sharif announced that Azerbaijan has committed to investing $2 billion in Pakistan. Feasibility studies for potential projects are already underway.
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With 79 pilgrims and several teachers already safe in Beirut, officials are finalizing arrangements to evacuate more Pakistanis in the coming days. The government’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad while addressing critical domestic challenges.