"They are co-ordinating with neighbouring countries like Jordan and others." Aslam said the Pakistanis would be travelling in convoys but did not specify exactly how or when they would be evacuated. So far there has been no report of any casualties among the Pakistani community in Lebanon, which includes businessmen and workers. Pakistan has no immediate plans to shut its mission, which is located close to Beirut airport, Aslam added.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Beirut Asma Anisa has said that the embassy has sent messages and contacted many Pakistanis and offered them every possible help in returning to Pakistan. She told VoA that many Pakistanis have been sent along with the UN convoys to Pakistan and more would go with another UN convoy.
AID OFFERED Pakistan has condemned Israeli aggression against Lebanon and offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday met Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Secretary General PML and Chairman Senate Standing Committee on foreign affairs and discussed with him the Mideast situation.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz rang up his Lebanese counterpart Fuad Siniora and offered co-operation and help from Pakistan. He condemned Israeli aggression against Lebanon and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Lebanon.
Prime Minister said the international community should take notice of the grim situation and must take steps to ensure security of Lebanon and protection of lives and property of the innocent population, he added.
Meanwhile the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in its special session on Thursday condemned the Israeli aggression in Lebanon and urged the Muslim countries to play proactive role for cease-fire. The Committee held its session at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed to consider the situation in Lebanon.
The Committee through a unanimous resolution condemned the aggression of Israel as violation of all civilised norms and international law. Meanwhile, Pakistan would send relief supplies to Beirut following an appeal from the Prime Minister of Lebanon for humanitarian assistance, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
"The government of Pakistan would be sending relief supplies in the form of medicines and food to Beirut, the moment it becomes physically possible to do so," a Foreign Ministry statement said.
"In response to this appeal and in solidarity with the people of Lebanon, the government of Pakistan would be sending relief supplies," it said.