Syria-Lebanon Border
In a significant development, nearly 400 stranded Pakistani nationals, including religious pilgrims (Zaireen), successfully crossed the Syria-Lebanon border, diplomatic sources confirmed on Tuesday.
These individuals are set to return to Pakistan from Beirut, with arrangements for a special flight expected within the next couple of days.
This progress follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive for an immediate action plan to ensure the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Syria via neighboring countries.
During a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, it was disclosed that of the 250 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Syria, 79 had already reached Beirut. Similarly, seven of the 20 Pakistani teachers and students in Syria had also made it to the Lebanese capital.
Pakistani embassy officials in both Syria and Lebanon are actively coordinating efforts to ensure the safe passage of nationals from the conflict-hit region. A day earlier, PM Shehbaz had a telephonic conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the unfolding situation in Syria.
PM Shehbaz sought Mikati’s personal intervention in facilitating the evacuation. The Lebanese premier assured his Pakistani counterpart of Lebanon’s full support in welcoming and assisting the stranded nationals in their return home.
Meanwhile, Syria witnessed a dramatic shift in its political landscape, with Mohammed al-Bashir assuming leadership as the interim prime minister.
Supported by former rebel factions that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad three days ago, al-Bashir announced his interim administration would operate until March 1.
In his first address on state television, al-Bashir stated that his cabinet, composed of members from the Salvation Government and the ousted regime’s administration, had convened to oversee the transfer of governmental responsibilities.
Signs of normalcy have begun to emerge in Damascus, with banks reopening, shops resuming operations, and construction workers repairing damaged infrastructure.
Despite this progress, Israel has intensified airstrikes on former Syrian army bases and acknowledged limited troop movement beyond the demilitarized zone.
The Israeli military denies advancing toward Damascus, focusing instead on targeting strategic positions of the now-dissolved Syrian army.
This evolving scenario underscores the complex dynamics of Syria’s ongoing conflict, even as international efforts strive to address humanitarian and evacuation challenges.
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