ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to the concerned authorities for the prompt steps taken to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens from Syria. The Prime Minister personally supervised the process and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NDMA officials for preparing a comprehensive plan for the evacuation of Pakistanis stranded in Syria. On the special directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a joint flight operation for the evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Syria, under which 318 Pakistani citizens were brought to Islamabad by a chartered plane from Beirut, Lebanon. The Prime Minister also thanked the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, who provided full support for the return of Pakistanis via Beirut. Federal Minister for Planning, Professor Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, welcomed the passengers at the Islamabad International Airport. The Prime Minister said that the repatriation of Pakistani citizens is the top priority of the government and further steps will continue in this regard. ONLINE
