Pakistan Evacuates 350 Nationals from Syria to Lebanon Successfully

Published at: December 11, 2024 7:42 AM

Updated at: December 26, 2024 11:17 AM

Approximately 350 Pakistani nationals, including 245 pilgrims, have successfully crossed the Syria-Lebanon border after being stranded in Syria for an extended period. This successful repatriation was made possible through a coordinated effort led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with the Embassy of Pakistan in Damascus playing a crucial role in facilitating the process.

The operation saw the Deputy Head of Mission in Damascus, Umar Hayat, personally accompanying the stranded nationals to the border. Upon arrival, they were received by the Deputy Head of Mission in Beirut, Nawab Adil, who oversaw the final leg of their journey. This repatriation marks the resolution of months of uncertainty and distress for the Pakistani nationals, who had been stuck in Syria due to the ongoing conflict and travel restrictions.

The successful evacuation is the culmination of the tireless efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic and consular staff, who ensured the safety and well-being of the stranded nationals. The Pakistani embassy in Damascus remained fully operational throughout the ordeal, providing assistance to citizens and facilitating communication with the authorities in Syria and Lebanon.

In related developments, the Foreign Office informed the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs that urgent measures are in place to evacuate additional Pakistani nationals still stranded in Syria. The committee was briefed on the current situation, noting that over 700 Pakistani families are residing in Syria. The Foreign Office assured the committee that all necessary assistance is being provided to those who reach out for help and that evacuation efforts will continue to ensure the safety of the remaining citizens.

The Foreign Office also emphasized the continued operation and security of the Pakistani embassy in Damascus, which is staffed with twelve members. This has allowed the embassy to provide essential support to Pakistani nationals in Syria during these difficult times.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office condemned Israel’s recent actions in Syria, with spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch strongly denouncing Israel's aggression and its illegal seizure of Syrian territory. She called Israel’s actions a "grave breach of international law" and highlighted the danger posed by such provocations in an already volatile region. Baloch noted that Israel has continuously defied international law and violated UN Security Council resolutions, particularly with its ongoing occupation of the Golan Heights.

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty and rejected Israel’s attempts to acquire territory by force. The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to UNSC Resolution 497, which declares Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights “null and void.” Baloch also called on the international community, particularly the UNSC, to take decisive action to address Israel’s violations of international law and its aggressive actions in the region.

Pakistan further emphasized that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through Israel’s full withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan Heights. This continued advocacy underscores Pakistan’s commitment to upholding international law and supporting the sovereignty of nations in the region.