A chartered plane carrying 318 Pakistanis stranded in Syria has safely arrived in Islamabad on Thursday. These individuals, initially stuck in Syria amid escalating tensions following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, had earlier been granted visas to enter Lebanon. The flight departed from Beirut earlier in the day.
The passengers were warmly received by Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, along with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Speaking to the returnees, Ahsan Iqbal expressed gratitude to the Lebanese Prime Minister for facilitating their safe repatriation at the request of PM Shehbaz Sharif. He highlighted that buses arranged by the NDMA were ready to transport the passengers to their destinations.
The minister emphasized that PM Shehbaz personally monitored the evacuation process, holding daily review meetings and ensuring the use of all available resources for the safe return of Pakistani citizens. He reiterated the government’s commitment to assisting Pakistanis abroad in times of need, stating, “Wherever Pakistanis face challenges, the government stands with them.”
The Pakistani ambassador in Lebanon bid farewell to the evacuees at Beirut airport earlier in the day. The repatriation efforts were lauded as a testament to PM Shehbaz’s dynamic leadership and close collaboration with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who had assured full support for the evacuees.
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, a special desk by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis facilitated the returning passengers, providing refreshments and assistance.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She condemned the escalating violence and emphasized that the Syrian people should determine their future without external interference. Pakistan remains committed to supporting efforts for a comprehensive resolution to the crisis in Syria.
