Pakistani Pilgrims Trapped in War-Torn Syria as Rebel Militia Seizes Control

Damascus (Daily Pakistan Online) Hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims are currently stranded in Syria following the takeover of the country by the rebel militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The situation escalated after Bashar al-Assad fled, allowing the militia to seize control of government buildings and airports. Reports indicate that approximately 250 Pakistani pilgrims are affected due to the closure of the airport. Tariq Samiullah, the Country Head of Syria Wings, confirmed that the rebels have shut down the airport, leading to the cancellation of flights, including one to Lahore today. Additionally, a flight to Karachi scheduled for December 11 has also been canceled. Pilgrims have expressed concerns over the unclear flight schedules from Syria Wings, and the recent aerial firing in the Sayyidah Zainab area of Damascus has further heightened panic among those stranded.