ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani envoy to Khartoum praised Saudi Arabia for its crucial assistance in the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from war-torn Sudan. As violent clashes persist between rival factions in Sudan, thousands of foreign nationals have been evacuated with the help of Saudi Arabia, a major player in the international rescue efforts.
Since mid-April, when clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Force, numerous ceasefires have been attempted to halt the fighting. However, hundreds of casualties and thousands of injuries have been reported. Among those evacuated, over 1,000 Pakistani nationals were successfully transported from Sudan, thanks to the substantial aid provided by Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Arab News, the Pakistani Ambassador to Sudan, Meer Behrose Regi, stated, “I don’t believe that the evacuation from Sudan would have been possible without the assistance of Saudi Arabia. Without their help, it would have been impossible to transport people from Port Sudan to Jeddah.”
Given the severity of the fighting in the capital city of Khartoum, many evacuees sought refuge in Port Sudan, where they boarded Saudi ships to cross the Red Sea to Jeddah before returning to their respective home countries.
Pakistan Thankful to Saudi Crown Prince
The Pakistani Ambassador expressed gratitude towards Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acknowledging his role in facilitating the safe return of Pakistanis and other missions. “We extend our thanks to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who facilitated all Pakistanis and other missions from Port Sudan to Jeddah, providing them with free, five-star hotel accommodation,” Pakistani envoy said.
While the conflict continues in Sudan, Pakistan’s mission has been operating from a makeshift office in Port Sudan with limited personnel, as approximately 300 Pakistani nationals remain in the country. Regi, who temporarily returned to Pakistan in early May due to safety concerns, announced his imminent return to Sudan later this week.
He added, “We are currently assisting three to four people (Pakistanis) daily who are coming to Port Sudan. Our embassy in Port Sudan is not closed; it remains open in a camp office, and the staff is already in Port Sudan, working and facilitating all Pakistanis.”
