No loss done to any Pakistani in Libya: NA told

ISLAMABAD: Minister for State Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar told National Assembly on Tuesday around 18,000 Pakistani citizens were living in Libya and 354 had been airlifted back home so far while elaborate efforts were in full swing to ensure their safe return as well as safety in the crisis hit country.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, the minister said governmnet was not sleeping on this issue of grave humanitarian nature, and hectic efforts were afoot over the last two week with Pakistani Mission in Tripole, though a limited in jurisdiction, struggling day and night for the safety of countrymen.

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 situatoin had so far occurred to any Pakistani there.

Pakistani Mission in Tripoli, she said, was in contact with Pakistani citizens through group leaders and community heads, and providnig them every possible help.

She made a particular mention of deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of Libya like Ben Ghazi where the writ of central authority had been vanished, but all out facilities were being extended to Pakistanis.

The minister said Pakistani Missions in neighbouring countries including Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Turkey had been asked to facilitate Pakistanis, who were pouring out of Libya.

Hina told that Pakistani Mission entrusted to rescue the countrymen at border points had 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 documenents. Being a Pakistani national is sufficient", Hina added.

The minister said despite all economi odds, the government was bearing all expenses incurred on measures underway for Pakistani citizens in Libya, which included provisoin of sheltes, ferrying them out of troubled areas and airlifitng back home.