Embassy in contact with 45 stranded Pakistanis in China: govt
FWO, by Saturday had restored 600 kilometres (Km) roads
TASHEKUERGAN (Dunya News) – Pakistan embassy has stated that officials are in contact with 25 Pakistanis who are stranded in China due to “bad weather and cancellation of Rayan Air flight,” Dunya News reported Monday.
A press release issued by the government states that embassy in China is in contact with Chinese Foreign Office and authorities in Xinjiangto for security of the stranded persons.
The department concerned is making efforts for early return of the Pakistani citizens. Reportedly, a flight between Kashgar and Islamabad was cancelled that added to the situation.
Earlier on Saturday it was reported that Pakistanis were marooned in Chinese area that borders Pakistan due to landsliding.
The persons could neither go back to Xinjiang nor enter Pakistan. The stranded people were forced to take up rather expensive rooms in nearby hotels. Being at a high altitude, lower oxygen level was another issue for the people stuck there.
Sarfraz Bacha, one of the stranded Pakistani told Dunya News that 45 persons were stuck in the area and their visas were about to expire.
Bacha said that Pakistani embassy in China had not responded satisfactorily despite making contact several times.
Most of the persons hail from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and while a few from Punjab.
On the other hand, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), by Saturday had restored 600 kilometres (Km) long different roads at land-slide hit points including Karakoram Highway and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that Karakoram Highway and different roads in Gilgit-Baltistan were closed at 175 points due to land-sliding since April 3.
Over 100 people have lost lives in storm-related incidents in different areas in Pakistan, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Army rescuers have cleared as many as 108 obstructions restoring 475 kilometres long road.
At least 22 points have been cleared in Gilgit and Skardu, opening 125km long roads for traffic. Army copters distributed relief items to affectees in Chilas, Barseen and Patan.
