427 stranded Pakistanis evacuated from Sudan

ISLAMABAD: As many as 427 Pakistanis were evacuated from the violence-hit Sudan and safely reached Port Sudan for their onward repatriation to the country.

The national news agency said that for the last 72 hours, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring the emergency plan for the evacuation of Pakistani nationals, according to a PM Office statement.

The evacuated Pakistanis who were being repatriated to Pakistan through special flights were provided accommodation and food by the government.

The diplomatic missions of Pakistan and other countries in the region were supporting Pakistan in the evacuation process.

The prime minister lauded the efforts of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar, foreign ministry officers and Pakistan’s ambassador in Sudan.

He particularly appreciated the military authorities and other relevant people for their expertise and dutifulness in formulating an effective evacuation plan and its successful implementation.

He also expressed gratitude to Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Director General of ISI Lt. General Nadeem Anjum for their special efforts in the evacuation process which involved multiple challenges and risks.

However, the government authorities evacuated the Pakistani nationals through safe routes. They are being moved in small groups from Khartoum to safe locations.

The prime minister thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt for extending support for the evacuation of Pakistani nationals.

The measures for the protection of the stranded Pakistani nationals in Sudan were being constantly monitored and Pakistan’s embassy was also in constant contact with them.

The embassy had also established a helpline where the stranded Pakistanis can contact for any help or guidance.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Pakistan announced the evacuation of 91 people from various countries including Pakistani nationals from Sudan.

According to a statement of the embassy, the operation was carried out by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with the support of various branches of the armed forces on the directives of the Kingdom’s leadership.

“We are pleased to announce the safe arrival of the citizens of the Kingdom who were evacuated from the Republic of Sudan as well as several nationals of brotherly and friendly countries, including diplomats and international officials,” it said.

A total of 66 people from brotherly and friendly countries including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada, and Burkina Faso have been evacuated.

The Kingdom worked to provide all the necessary needs of foreign nationals in preparation for their departure to their respective countries, it added.