Pakistan activates CMU for Citizens stranded in Syria amid escalating conflict

Damascus: In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Syria, the Pakistani government has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to assist citizens stranded in the country. The announcement comes amid reports of a swift rebel offensive that has reached Damascus, signaling a potential collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has urged Pakistanis residing in Syria, as well as their families, to contact the CMU for support. The CMU can be reached via telephone at 051-9207887 or by email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. The Pakistani Embassy in Damascus has also ramped up efforts to assist nationals and can be contacted through mobile/WhatsApp at +963 987 127 822 or +963 990 138 972. For official inquiries, the embassy’s email address is parepdamascus@mofa.gov.pk.

The situation in Syria remains fluid, with reports indicating that President Assad fled Damascus early this morning, and no signs of military activity have been observed in the capital. Rebel forces have reportedly entered the city, claiming control of key areas, while thousands of Syrians have taken to the streets, celebrating what they believe is the end of Assad’s rule, chanting “Freedom.”

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Hadi al-Bahra, the head of the Syrian opposition group, confirmed that the capital is now “without Bashar al-Assad.” Amid the ongoing violence, the Pakistani Foreign Office had already advised against non-essential travel to Syria on December 6, citing severe security risks.

The government has urged Pakistani citizens in Syria to exercise extreme caution and maintain regular contact with the embassy for updates and assistance. The activation of the CMU reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its nationals during this volatile period in Syria’s ongoing conflict.