318 Pakistanis stranded in Syria return home via special chartered flight

A chartered plane carrying 318 Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria landed in Islamabad early Friday on the directives of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The operation was facilitated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Dr. Ahsan Iqbal and NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik welcomed the repatriated citizens at Islamabad International Airport.

PM Shahbaz Sharif expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of Pakistanis abroad, calling their return from Syria a top priority. He lauded the coordinated efforts of MoFA, Pakistani embassies in Syria and Lebanon, and NDMA for the successful evacuation.

The Prime Minister Shahbaz also extended his gratitude to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati for his government’s support, including arranging transportation for the evacuees from Beirut to the airport.

PM Shahbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to continue expediting the evacuation of remaining Pakistani nationals in Syria.