Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Sunday to address the safety of Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian leader fled the country after being toppled by rebel forces, ending the Assad family's 50-year rule.

During the call, Dar outlined Pakistan's efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens in Syria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on X. The two ministers also discussed potential collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye to assist Pakistanis caught in the escalating crisis.

The Pakistani Foreign Office (FO) had earlier issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid traveling to Syria and advised those already in the country to exercise extreme caution. The advisory emphasized staying in contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus for updates and assistance.

In light of the developments, Pakistan has reinforced security at the Syrian Embassy in Islamabad, providing additional protection for Ambassador Dr. Ramez Alraee and diplomatic staff. The decision follows reports of unrest targeting Syrian diplomatic missions in other countries, including Greece.

Approximately 2,000 Pakistanis are currently in Syria, engaged in business, employment, pilgrimage, or residing with Syrian families through marriage. Of these, over 700 are married to Syrian nationals and have settled there.

MOFA has established a Crisis Management Unit (CMU) with dedicated hotlines and email services to assist Pakistanis affected by the turmoil. Authorities are also evaluating the feasibility of an evacuation operation to repatriate stranded nationals safely.

The Pakistani Embassy in Damascus remains operational and actively engaged in providing support to the Pakistani community in Syria. Contact details for the embassy have been shared widely, ensuring that citizens can access necessary resources and assistance.

Pakistan's foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of its nationals while closely monitoring the evolving situation in Syria. The crisis marks a critical moment for regional stability, prompting coordinated efforts between Pakistan, Türkiye, and other stakeholders. (ILKHA)