Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to the Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to ask for help in evacuating Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria due to the ongoing crisis. In a phone call with Mikati, Shehbaz explained that all airports in Syria are closed, making it impossible to evacuate through air travel. The only way to evacuate is through Lebanon, which borders Syria.
Shehbaz informed Mikati that around 600 Pakistanis are currently stuck in Syria and requested that Lebanon issue visas for them so they could travel through Lebanon and return to Pakistan. Mikati agreed to help and assured that Lebanon would issue visas for all Pakistanis, no matter the number, and provide all possible assistance for their safe evacuation.
In the conversation, Shehbaz reminded Mikati of Pakistan's support for Lebanon during its previous crises. He pointed out that Pakistan was the first country to send aid to Lebanon in times of need. After the call, Shehbaz instructed Pakistan’s ambassadors in Syria and Lebanon to coordinate efforts and speed up the visa process to help evacuate Pakistanis from Syria as quickly as possible.
Additionally, the Prime Minister condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and expressed Pakistan’s firm support for Lebanon's sovereignty. He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and called for a ceasefire in Palestine, emphasizing that Pakistan stands with Lebanon during this difficult time.
Earlier, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the safe evacuation of Pakistanis from Syria. He stressed that the government’s top priority is the safety of its citizens and instructed officials to develop an action plan using neighboring countries for evacuation. He also ordered the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus to set up a helpline and information desk to assist citizens in need.
Currently, over 2,000 Pakistanis, including pilgrims, are in Syria. The Pakistani government is actively monitoring the situation and working to ensure their safety.
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