ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has praised the concerned authorities for taking prompt steps to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens from Syria.
The Prime Minister personally supervised the process and appreciated the efforts of the Foreign Ministry and NDMA officials for preparing a comprehensive plan for the evacuation of Pakistanis stranded in Syria.
On the special instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Foreign Ministry launched a joint flight operation for the evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Syria, under which 318 Pakistani citizens were brought to Islamabad from Beirut, Lebanon, by a chartered plane.
The Prime Minister also thanked Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who provided full support for the return of Pakistanis via Beirut.
Federal Minister for Planning and Special Measures Prof. Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik welcomed the passengers at the Islamabad International Airport.
The Prime Minister said that the repatriation of Pakistani citizens is the top priority of the government and further steps will be taken in this regard.
He said that the government is committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure their safety.
The 318 Pakistani citizens who arrived in Islamabad include pilgrims and others who were evacuated from Syria to Beirut, Lebanon a day earlier.
