PM directs Pakistani embassies in Gulf to assist citizens amid current situation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered that Pakistani embassies in Gulf countries should remain available at all times to assist Pakistani citizens amid the prevailing situation in the region. Pakistan Associated Press reported.

Chairing a meeting regarding evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran and issues related to Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the brotherly country of Azerbaijan for its assistance in evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran.

During the meeting, the participants were briefed about the current situation regarding the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran.

“By the grace of Allah, Pakistani citizens are returning home safely from Iran and the Pakistan Embassy in Azerbaijan is fully active to facilitate the process,” the Prime Minister was told.

The meeting was also informed that on the instructions of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was continuously monitoring the entire situation. A briefing was also given on the measures taken by Pakistani embassies to facilitate the residence of Pakistani citizens in the Gulf countries.

Learn more: FO issues advisory for Pakistanis living in the Middle East

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the government has taken proactive measures to facilitate the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran and to support Pakistani citizens stranded in various places abroad.

“The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating around the clock to monitor the evolving situation and provide necessary assistance to Pakistani nationals,” the FO spokesperson said.

On the instructions of the Prime Minister, special facilitation offices have been established in Pakistan’s missions abroad to assist stranded Pakistani nationals with visa facilitation, logistics and travel arrangements, he added.

Andrabi noted that the missions had also launched dedicated applications, registration portals and helplines to enable timely awareness and assistance, adding that these missions were in close coordination with the host governments to ensure necessary consular facilitation for the Pakistani diaspora.

The Government of Pakistan remains fully committed to ensuring the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and ensuring their safe and timely return, he added.