PM Shehbaz Orders Safe Evacuation of Pakistanis from Syria

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of Pakistanis stranded in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The prime minister emphasized that the safety of Pakistani citizens is the top priority and urged officials to form an action plan to facilitate their return via neighboring countries.

Rebel forces entered Damascus on Sunday, overthrowing President Assad and ending nearly six decades of his family’s rule. This unexpected turn of events has heightened security risks in the region.

Chairing a meeting to address the situation, PM Shehbaz instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Set up an information desk and a helpline at the Pakistan Embassy in Damascus, keeping risis management units operational 24/7 in Syria and neighboring countries. He also directed to use all available resources to evacuate Pakistanis safely.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to assist affected Pakistanis. The Pakistani embassy in Syria remains in contact with stranded nationals, ensuring support until evacuation is possible.

Pakistani citizens in Syria or their families can contact the CMU via telephone helpline 051-9207887 and email cmu1@mofa.gov.pk.

The Foreign Office reassured that Pakistani nationals in Syria are safe and advised them to remain cautious. It reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing no change in its position.

The prime minister also urged collaboration between ministries and embassies to streamline evacuation efforts. A high-level team, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, attended the meeting to assess the crisis.