By 
09-12-2024
Hailey Archer
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
For 50 years the Assads were in power in Syria. In less than two weeks, the opposition forces and rebels took over the country, starting with the smaller but important cities, and finally on Sunday, Damascus, the capital of Syria (Latif, 2024). The spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan released a statement for the Pakistani nationals in Syria to exercise caution if they were there (Latif, 2024). The Pakistani embassy in Damascus remained open for nationals in Syria who needed help (Latif, 2024).
Due to the rise in clashes around the country, the Damascus airport, in the capital, was taken over and closed (Latif, 2024). This caused many Pakistani nationals to be stuck in Syria during this unrest, with no way to go home (Dawn, 2024). This tested the relationship between Pakistan and Syria amid a crisis, countries that have historically had a supportive relationship (Latif, 2024). On Sunday, Pakistan emphasised the consistent support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria (Latif, 2024). The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, stated that he told officials to create a plan to facilitate the safe return of the Pakistani nationals in Syria (Dawn, 2024). PM Shehbaz contacted the Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to ensure that the stranded Pakistani nationals could have the possibility of taking the Lebanese route back to Pakistan (Dawn, 2024). The fall of the Assad regime has raised concerns about potential new instability in the region (Dawn, 2024). If the region becomes unstable, maintaining and strengthening international relations will be even more critical.
Sources and further readings:
Damascus airport closure leaves pakistanis stranded, embassy extends support. (2024, December 9). Pakistan Today. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/12/09/damascus-airport-closure-leaves-pakistanis-stranded-embassy-extends-support/
Latif, A. (2024, December 8). Pakistan supports sovereignty, territorial integrity of Syria. Anadolu Ajansı. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-supports-sovereignty-territorial-integrity-of-syria/3418402#
PM Shehbaz orders safe evacuation of pakistanis from Syria as ‘top priority’. (2024, December 9). Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1877656
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