Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, which was briefed on the evacuation of Pakistanis stranded in Syria in light of the current situation there and approved several administrative and energy-related measures.

During the briefing, the cabinet was informed that 79 of the 250 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Syria have successfully reached Beirut. Similarly, out of the nearly 20 teachers and students in Syria, seven teachers have also made it to Lebanon's capital.

Arrangements are being made to repatriate these citizens to Pakistan, with embassy officials working diligently to ensure their safe return, the meeting was told.

The cabinet also approved settlement agreements with eight independent power plants (IPPs) operating on bagasse. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government was committed to bringing down electricity prices and prioritizing the promotion of the private sector and industries to boost economic activity.

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The cabinet also approved the appointment of Brigadier Asim Bashir Warraich as Member Production Control at Heavy Industry Taxila Board. It also endorsed the establishment of the National Commission on the Status of Women Fund.

The PM reiterated the government’s resolve to address economic challenges and ensure the welfare of all Pakistanis.

Also on Tuesday, sources revealed that over 350 Pakistanis had successfully reached the Lebanese border safely. Arrangements were being finalized for their repatriation from Lebanon to Pakistan, with a special flight scheduled to operate from Beirut Airport within the next 48 hours.

On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Civil Aviation Authority has been directed to facilitate the special flight for the stranded Pakistanis.