Chitral Times Report
ISLAMABAD: A government of Pakistan chartered flight operated by PIA for repatriation of stranded Pakistanis will depart for Lahore from Newark Airport in New Jersey on 21st May 2020, says a press release received from Washington DC here today. This will be the 4th in a series of flights arranged by Pakistan in this regard. Pakistani citizens already registered with Embassy of Pakistan Washington DC and its 4 Consulates will be accommodated in the flight. Citizens desirous of returning to Pakistan are requested to contact our Embassy and Consulates at the earliest. Information on further charter flights are needed, will be shared in due course.
Meanwhile 249 remaining stranded Pakistanis in Sudan were flown from Khartoum to Peshawar by PK-7844 today. Earlier, on 02 May 2020, 252 stranded Pakistanis were repatriated to Karachi by PIA, says a press release received here today from Khartoum. Ambassador Sarfraz Sipra along with Embassy officers and officials remained at the airport for facilitating all passengers and bidding them farewell. Thanking Almighty Allah, Ambassador Sipra stated that now Sudan stands clear of all stranded Pakistanis, adding that out of total 501 passengers, 436 were members of Tablighi jamaat. Ambassador Sipra was particularly glad to note that all Pakistanis will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families. Ambassador paid glowing tribute to Pakistan Team ably led by Prime Minister Imran Khan for delivering on the promise of repatriation of Pakistanis from Sudan and other countries. Ambassador Sarfraz Sipra specifically lauded the profuse display of compassion and empathy with which the Government and officials of the Republic of the Sudan has helped the Embassy and Pakistanis for realising such smooth evacuation despite being under full curfew imposed in Sudan for containing Covid-19 pandemic. While conveying his heartfelt gratitude to all in Sudan, the Ambassador wished the leadership, government and people of Sudan health and wellbeing during these testing times. He also assured brotherly Republic of Sudan for all possible assistance that Pakistan could extend. Ambassador Sipra also expressed his most sincere gratitude to Tabligh Markaz, Bilal Masjid, Khartoum for continuously extending extremely generous hospitality to 436 Pakistani Tabligh members for more than two months by bearing all expenses on their boarding and lodging. Ambassador Sarfraz Sipra conveyed special thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PIA’s management for continued support and dedicated efforts for ensuring repatriation in swiftest possible manner. Ambassador congratulated the Embassy team who worked day and night for flawless completion of this gigantic operation and reaching out to all Pakistanis despite being under curfew. He thanked the Embassy team for rising to the occasion in selfless manner.
