318 Pakistani evacuated from Syria set to land in Islamabad tomorrow

On the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, 318 Pakistani citizens stranded in Syria were being evacuated in a special chartered flight from Beirut, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Pakistan's ambassador bid farewell to the departing citizens at the Beirut airport on Thursday. The chartered flight is expected to land at Islamabad International Airport during the night of December 13. A large number of these Pakistanis are pilgrims who were in Syria when Assad government was toppled by the rebels. Pakistan Ambassador to Lebanon Salman Athar himself reached the airport to see off these Pakistanis. Salman Athar was accompanied by other staff of the embassy.

Upon arrival in Islamabad, the returnees will be welcomed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, along with representatives from the PM Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and NDMA.

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has set up a special assistance desk and arranged refreshments for the passengers to facilitate the returning citizens. Meanwhile, the PM Shehbaz-led government has remained committed to the protection and welfare of citizens abroad. The government has continued to take all possible measures to ensure the safe repatriation of Pakistanis in distress.

There were about 2,000 Pakistanis in Syria. More than 700 Pakistanis are married and living in Syria with their families. So far, a total of 475 Pakistanis have crossed the border from Syria and reached in Lebanon. These 475 Pakistanis include 250 visitors, 20 students and teachers.