In light of escalating instability in Syria, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the safe evacuation of Pakistanis as a top priority. He has directed authorities to devise an immediate action plan for repatriating stranded citizens via neighboring countries. The rapidly changing political landscape, marked by the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has raised safety concerns for Pakistani nationals in the region.
PM Shehbaz’s Orders for Evacuation
Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, PM Shehbaz called for swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of Pakistanis in Syria. He instructed the Foreign Office (FO) and the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus to utilize all available resources for this purpose. Key directives included establishing an information desk, a 24/7 helpline, and operational crisis management units to support stranded citizens.
The prime minister stressed that protecting the lives and property of Pakistanis remains the government’s foremost responsibility. Until the security situation stabilizes, all relevant agencies and diplomatic missions will remain on high alert to coordinate evacuation efforts.
Evolving Situation in Syria
The crisis in Syria intensified over the weekend as rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad, ending over 50 years of Assad family rule. Assad reportedly fled to Moscow following the rebel coalition’s rapid advance, which culminated in the capture of Damascus. The rebel faction, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), celebrated the regime’s collapse, but the victory has sparked concerns over further unrest in the region.
HTS, which originated as part of Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch, is under EU sanctions for its militant activities. While the group claims to have moderated its stance, international observers remain wary of its record on human rights.
Challenges for Pakistanis in Syria
The closure of Damascus Airport has further complicated the situation for Pakistani citizens, including religious pilgrims (Zaireen). The Pakistani Embassy is maintaining communication with affected individuals to provide assistance. However, the volatile environment poses significant risks to evacuation operations.
The crisis has also led to broader international concerns. Germany, home to a large Syrian refugee population, has temporarily halted asylum decisions, citing uncertainty over Syria’s future.
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Global Reactions and U.S. Role
World leaders have responded cautiously to Syria’s political upheaval. U.S. President Joe Biden described the fall of the Assad regime as a “historic opportunity” for Syrians to rebuild their country. However, he warned against hardline factions within the rebel coalition, highlighting the risk of extremist groups filling the power vacuum.
The U.S. military has already conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria, underscoring concerns over the group’s resurgence. Meanwhile, the UN has called for justice and accountability for atrocities committed during Assad’s rule, including the use of chemical weapons.
Next Steps for Pakistan
As the situation in Syria evolves, Pakistan’s immediate focus remains the safe evacuation of its citizens. The government’s coordinated response, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, reflects a commitment to ensuring the well-being of Pakistanis caught in the crisis. The success of these efforts will depend on close collaboration between the Foreign Office, diplomatic missions, and international partners.
