Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic meeting with Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the evolving situation in Syria.
Dar briefed the Turkiye foreign minister about the efforts being made by the Government of Pakistan to ensure safety and security of its nationals in Syria. The two leaders explored potential avenues for cooperation between the two countries to assist and protect Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria.
In a related development, Foreign Office said on Sunday evening that all Pakistani nationals in Syria are safe and they have been advised to exercise in the evolving situation.
In a statement issued in Islamabad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said "we are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Syria". She said that Pakistan has always supported unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and there is no change in its principled stand on Syria.
Baloch said as of now Damascus airport is closed and our embassy remains in contact with stranded Pakistani nationals including pilgrims. She said the Embassy of Pakistan in Syria is open for necessary support and advice. She said the embassy will facilitate Pakistani citizens' safe return once the airport opens.