Pakistan Safely Evacuates 350 Nationals from War-Torn Syria
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif oversees the operation as Foreign Office condemns Israeli actions in Syria, reaffirming support for Syrian sovereignty.
Approximately 350 Pakistani nationals, including 245 pilgrims, have successfully been evacuated from Syria to Lebanon after being stranded for an extended period.
This operation was conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with the Embassy of Pakistan in Damascus facilitating the process.
The Deputy Head of Mission, Umar Hayat, personally accompanied the evacuees to the border, where they were received by his counterpart in Beirut, Nawab Adil.
In related developments, the Foreign Office has informed the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs that efforts are ongoing to evacuate additional Pakistani nationals still stranded in Syria. Currently, over 700 Pakistani families reside in Syria, and the Foreign Office has assured that necessary assistance is being provided to those who seek help.
The embassy in Damascus remains operational and secure, staffed with twelve members.
Additionally, the Foreign Office condemned recent Israeli actions in Syria, labelling them as a “grave breach of international law.” Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that Israel’s aggression represents a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty and reiterated its commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolution 497, which declares Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights as “null and void.”
The Foreign Office called on the international community to take decisive action against these violations of international law.
