Islamabad (HRNW)- The National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Syed Rafiullah, held a meeting in Islamabad where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed members on the situation of Pakistani citizens living in different countries and possible emergency evacuation measures.
Officials informed the committee that 113 Pakistanis in Azerbaijan have been provided assistance, while 58 have already returned home. In Qatar, where around 350,000 Pakistanis reside, the situation remains stable but cautious, and 10,188 Pakistanis have been registered for possible evacuation. Of 215 stranded Pakistanis, 97 have already returned, while the rest are expected to depart soon with support from the Qatari government, which has provided accommodation, food, and visa facilities.
In Saudi Arabia, where around 2.5 million Pakistanis live, the situation is tense but stable, with air and land borders open and flights operating normally. In Iraq, about 40,000 Pakistanis reside, and arrangements are being made to repatriate 1,277 citizens, including transit through Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Officials also stated that 101,976 Pakistanis are living in Kuwait, where the situation is tense but under control, though airspace remains closed. Around 382,000 Pakistanis in Oman are in a stable environment, while the situation in Lebanon is deteriorating due to Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, prompting the evacuation process for Pakistanis in southern Lebanon.
The committee was informed that disruptions in international air travel, fewer flights, and rising ticket prices have limited return options. Authorities emphasized the need for real-time planning, safety arrangements, and emergency preparedness to protect overseas Pakistanis.
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