ISLAMABAD: Government is making concerted efforts for the safety of Pakistani expatriates in Libya as well as adopting elaborate arrangements for the safe return of countrymen coming home.
Foreign Office has directed Pakistani Mission in Tripoli to provide all out facilities to Pakistani citizens in the crisis hit country and make it sure that no one is left un-catered for, it was officially learnt on Tuesday
Meanwhile, Minister for State Foreign Affairs Hina Rabani Khar, during the height of tensions in Libya that forced the immigrants to pour out to the neighbouring counties, has told around 18,000 Pakistani citizens were living in Libya.
She said the government was fully aware of the situation and was taking steps accordingly. Elaborate efforts were being made to ensure their safe return as well as safety in the crisis hit country, she added.
"Government was not sleeping on this issue of grave humanitarian nature and hectic efforts were afoot with Pakistani Mission in Tripoli, though a limited in jurisdiction, struggling day and night for the safety of countrymen", she said.
Hina allayed the concerns raised over the well-being of stranded Pakistanis in Libya and informed the House no serious damage, loss of life or life-threatening situation had so far occurred to any Pakistani there.
Pakistani Mission in Tripoli continues to keep in touch with Pakistani citizens through group leaders and community heads, and providing them every possible help.
Besides, Pakistani Missions in neighbouring countries including Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Turkey have also been asked to facilitate Pakistanis.
Pakistani Mission entrusted to rescue the countrymen at border points has been directed to come up with vehicles, foods, medical and other basic facilities so anyone in need might not feel discomfort.
For many Pakistanis who flew to Libya on work visa and that there passports were kept by their respective employers or companies, the minister said Foreign Office had already directed to issue Emergency Passports to such persons. "There is no issue if someone is not having passport or travel documents. Being a Pakistani national is sufficient," Hina added.
The minister said despite all economic odds, the government was bearing all expenses incurred on measures underway for Pakistani citizens in Libya, which included provision of shelters, ferrying them out of troubled areas and airlifting back home.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with Pakistani Missions in Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria evacuated upto 1455 Pakistanis as on Monday.
A special chartered flight brought 251 Pakistanis from Tunisian Island of Jirba on Monday. Another batch of 260 more landed here from Cairo by a chartered PIA flight.
The national flag carrier would operate another sortie today (March 8) to bring remaining 199 Pakistanis from Cairo.
A chartered PIA aircraft has been sent to Tripoli on Monday, which is likely to bring home 460 Pakistani nationals.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interior, FIA, Overseas Pakistan would receive Pakistani nationals returning from Libya at the airports in Karachi and Islamabad.
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