KARACHI: A special flight that evacuated 79 Pakistanis from Lebanon arrived at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Wednesday, the prime minister’s office said, as Islamabad dispatched a humanitarian aid package for the Middle Eastern country.
The conflict in Lebanon has escalated dramatically in recent weeks as Israel has carried out a string of assassinations of top Hezbollah leaders and launched ground operations into southern Lebanon that expanded further this week.
“On direction of Prime Minister, NDMA [National Disaster Management Authority] arranged a special flight for 79 stranded Pakistanis from Lebanon on 9th Oct 2024 which arrived at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi,” the PMO statement said.
The NDMA has also dispatched a consignment of 3 tons of medicines for Lebanon through the same chartered plane.
“This humanitarian aid package was a collective effort involving NDMA, Pakistan Army, and [private] Al-Khidmat Foundation,” the statement added. “Pakistan remains committed to supporting the people of Lebanon during this difficult period, offering its solidarity, and seeking peaceful resolution.”
Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon has killed more than 2,100 people, most of them in the last two weeks, and forced 1.2 million people from their homes.
US President Joe Biden is expected to speak today, Wednesday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with talks set to include discussion of any plans to strike Iran.
The Middle East has been on edge awaiting Israel’s response to a missile attack from Iran last week that Tehran carried out in retaliation for Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon. Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be “unacceptable” if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response.
Pakistan evacuates its nationals from Lebanon, sends humanitarian aid package
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Pakistan evacuates its nationals from Lebanon, sends humanitarian aid package
- The conflict in Lebanon has escalated dramatically in recent weeks
- Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon has killed more than 2,100 people
Pakistan extends ban on Indian-registered aircraft through January, aviation authority says
- Move marks the seventh extension of the ban after a gun attack in Indian-administered Kashmir
- It has forced Indian airlines to reroute flights, raising fuel use, travel times and operating costs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan extended a ban on Indian-registered aircraft from using its airspace until late January, it said on Wednesday, prolonging restrictions that have disrupted flight routes for Indian airlines.
Pakistan first imposed the restriction on April 24 as part of a series of tit-for-tat measures announced by both countries days after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied any involvement and called for a credible, international investigation into the attack, which killed 26 tourists.
Tensions escalated after India targeted several sites in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, triggering intense missile, drone and artillery exchanges before a ceasefire brokered by the United States took effect on May 10.
“Pakistan’s airspace will continue to remain closed for Indian-registered aircraft,” the Pakistan Airports Authority said in a statement.
“The restriction will remain in effect from December 25, 2025, to January 27, 2026,” it continued. “The restriction will apply to aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines, including military flights.”
This marks the seventh extension of the ban, which has forced Indian airlines to reroute international flights, increasing fuel consumption, travel times and operating costs.
Earlier this month, Pakistan accused India of blocking humanitarian assistance destined for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah, saying a special Pakistani aircraft carrying aid was forced to wait more than 60 hours for overflight clearance.
Pakistan later sent relief supplies and rescue teams to the island nation by sea, officials said.
