PM orders Pakistani embassies in Gulf to help citizens amid current situation

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

Chairing a meeting on evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran and issues related to Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries, the prime minister expressed gratitude to brotherly country Azerbaijan for helping in the 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 Embassy of Pakistan in Azerbaijan is fully active to facilitate the process,” the prime minister was told.

Those present were also informed that on the instructions of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of External Affairs was continuously monitoring the entire situation. The measures taken by Pakistani embassies to facilitate the residence of Pakistani citizens in the Gulf countries were also reported.

Read 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 citizens from Iran and to support Pakistani citizens who are stranded at various locations abroad.

“The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of External Affairs is functioning round the clock to monitor developments and extend necessary assistance to Pakistani citizens,” 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 specific applications, registration portals and helplines to enable timely outreach and assistance, adding that these missions are in close coordination with the host governments to ensure necessary consular facilitation for the Pakistani diaspora.

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