The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to assist Pakistani citizens in Syria, where a “leadership transition” is underway after rebels took control of the capital, Damascus.
A Syrian military officer confirmed to Reuters that the Syrian army notified its officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime had fallen following a swift rebel offensive.
In response, MoFA urged Pakistanis in Syria to contact the CMU for assistance, providing the phone number 051-9207887 and email cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. The Pakistani Embassy in Damascus is also actively working to support nationals, with additional contact details available via mobile/WhatsApp at +963 987 127 822, +963 990 138 972, and email at parepdamascus@mofa.gov.pk.
Reports suggest Assad fled Damascus for an unknown location as rebels entered the city. Thousands of Syrians gathered in the capital’s main square, celebrating with chants of “Freedom.” Rebels also announced the liberation of prisoners, including those held at the notorious Sednaya prison.
Hadi al-Bahra, leader of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, declared on Sunday that Damascus is now “without Bashar al-Assad.”
Due to the ongoing violence, Pakistan’s Foreign Office had already advised its citizens on December 6 to avoid unnecessary travel to Syria and to exercise extreme caution if currently in the country. Nationals were urged to stay in contact with the Pakistani embassy for further guidance.
