Around 250 Pakistani pilgrims have become stranded in Syria amid escalating unrest following a swift rebel offensive that led to the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Tariq Samiullah, the Country Head of Cham Wings, confirmed that rebels have shut down the airport, halting outbound flights.
“Our flight to Lahore, scheduled for today, has been canceled,” Samiullah said, adding that a flight to Karachi, set for December 11, has also been called off. Pilgrims reported confusion regarding Cham Wings’ flight plans, with no clear updates provided.
The situation in Damascus remains tense, with gunfire reported in the Sayyidah Zaynab area, sparking panic among those in the vicinity. Syrian rebels claimed they had captured Damascus early this morning, forcing Assad to flee and bringing an end to over 50 years of Baathist rule. The rapid takeover, after more than 13 years of civil war, shocked the international community, marking a historic shift in the region.
Syria’s military command also informed its officers that Assad’s regime had collapsed, as confirmed by a Syrian officer speaking to Reuters. Thousands gathered in Damascus’ main square, chanting “Freedom” as the rebels declared victory.
Amid the chaos, the notorious Sednaya prison, which held thousands of political prisoners, was reportedly freed by rebels, who celebrated the release of detainees.
In response to the worsening crisis, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to assist stranded nationals. The Foreign Office (FO) urged Pakistani citizens in Syria and their families to contact the CMU at 051-9207887 or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk for assistance.
The Pakistan Embassy in Damascus remains actively engaged in helping nationals. The embassy can be reached through mobile/WhatsApp at +963 987 127 822 or +963 990 138 972, or via email at parepdamascus@mofa.gov.pk.
On December 6, the Foreign Office advised Pakistanis to avoid non-essential travel to Syria and to exercise extreme caution. Pakistani nationals already in Syria were urged to stay in contact with the embassy for further support.
