ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Sunday said it is actively working to ensure the safety and security of members of the Pakistani community in Venezuela amid rapidly evolving developments following US military action in the South American country.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan attaches great importance to the well-being of the people of Venezuela and views the current situation with concern. It urged restraint and de-escalation, stressing the need to resolve the crisis in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
“Islamabad is closely monitoring the developments and remains engaged in ensuring the safety and security of the Pakistani community currently present in Venezuela,” the statement added.
The remarks came a day after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a military operation and transferred them to the United States. Maduro has since been moved to a jail in New York, according to reports.
Following the development, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed charge as interim leader with the backing of the country’s top court, though she maintained that Maduro remains the president.
US President Donald Trump said Washington would “run” Venezuela until a political transition takes place, adding that American oil companies would be allowed to access the country’s vast crude reserves. His remarks triggered international concern and questions over the legality and scope of US involvement.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to clarify Washington’s position, saying the United States was ready to work with the existing Venezuelan leadership and was not pursuing full regime change. He said the US operation was aimed at countering drug trafficking and not waging a war against Venezuela.
Despite these assurances, uncertainty continues over the future political and security situation in the country, as Pakistan and other nations closely watch developments and assess their implications for regional stability and the safety of foreign nationals.
