Increasing violence and security concerns are making it extremely difficult for Pakistani pilgrims who are stuck in Damascus, but according to Pakistani Foreign Office officials, plans are in place to safely evacuate them.
The BBC was told by representatives of the Pakistani embassy in Damascus that plans are in motion to repatriate every Pakistani living in Syria.
According to a Foreign Office statement, “Damascus Airport is closed for the time being.” Our embassy communicates with pilgrims and other Pakistanis who are stuck in Syria. As soon as the airport reopens, assistance will be given for their return.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said Monday that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the development of a strategy to guarantee the safe return of Pakistanis who wanted to leave the country.
