Another batch of 134 stranded Pakistanis returned home on Sunday night from war-torn Yemen.
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane carrying 134 Pakistanis and four foreigners landed at Islamabad airport, where they were greeted by Federal Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch and other officials.
Speaking to media persons, Baloch said that he was directed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to receive the Pakistanis at the airport.
Som jubilant passengers carrying national flags chanted slogans “Long Live Pakistan”.
Johar Saleem, Additional Foreign Secretary, lauded the PIA’s role in safe evacuation of Pakistanis from Yemen. “So far we have evacuated 1, 000 Pakistanis. More will be brought back tomorrow,” he said.
Arif Mahmood, a Pakistani expatriate, said that he was happy to be back in Pakistan and reunite with his family.
Another passenger Javed Iqbal said that all Pakistanis were safe in Sanaa.
Later, 67 passengers were brought to Karachi. They were greeted by the officials, families and relatives.
“We thank the government of Pakistan, media and PIA for bringing us back safely,” a woman said.
On Saturday, Foreign Office said that 148 Pakistanis, 35 foreign nationals, 8 Chinese,11 Indians and 4 British nationals were rescued from Mokallah.
The Pakistani naval ship is expected to reach Karachi on Apr. 7.
