Approximately 250 Pakistani pilgrims are stranded in Syria as chaos escalated following a rebel offensive that overthrew President Bashar-al Assad.
Tariq Samiullah, the Country Head of Cham Wings, has reported that rebels have shut down the airport, halting all outbound flights. “Our flight scheduled for Lahore today has been cancelled,” he stated, adding that they have also cancelled a flight intended for Karachi on December 11.
Pilgrims are facing uncertainty about Cham Wings’ flight operations today, with no updates being provided. The situation in Damascus, particularly around the Sayyidah Zaynab area, remains tense due to ongoing gunfire, instilling fear and panic among locals.
This morning, Syrian rebels announced their control over Damascus, marking the end of Assad’s long-standing regime and concluding over five decades of Baath rule in Syria. This development comes after more than 13 years of civil war, surprising the global community and marking a significant shift in the Middle East.
Syria’s army command has also informed officers that Assad’s regime has concluded, according to a Syrian officer who spoke to Reuters.
Read: Bashar al-Assad Flees Syria – Rebel Forces Seize Control
Witnesses have observed thousands of people gathering in a main square in Damascus, chanting “Freedom” as the rebels announced the fall of Assad’s government.
Amidst the upheaval, rebels have reportedly liberated the Sednaya prison, known for detaining numerous political prisoners, and celebrated the release of many detainees.
In response to these events, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) earlier today to support Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria.
The Foreign Office (FO) has urged Pakistani nationals in Syria and their families to contact the CMU for assistance using the telephone number/email provided: 051-9207887/ cmu1@mofa.gov.pk.
According to a recent press release from the Foreign Office (FO), the Pakistan Embassy in Damascus actively supports Pakistani nationals. To contact the embassy, individuals can use a mobile phone or WhatsApp at +963 987 127 822 or +963 990 138 972 or email at parepdamascus@mofa.gov.pk.
Lastly, on December 6, the Foreign Office advised Pakistani nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Syria and to exercise extreme caution. Those in Syria should constantly contact the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus for necessary assistance.
