600 Americans evacuated to US: Embassy

Monitoring Desk

ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Pakistan Sunday said that the most important task for it in current situation is to assist the US nationals in the country.

In a series of tweets, the embassy said that 600 Americans have been evacuated to the United States from Pakistan on April 10 and April 12 through two special flights.

“There is nothing more important to us right now than assisting #USCitizens in #Pakistan. On April 10 and 12, @usembislamabad organized two flights to bring almost 600 #AmericansHome from #Islamabad.”

The embassy said that it prioritized citizens who were the most at risk for coronavirus complications. It asked to US citizens to register themselves with the embassy for their safe return to the United States. “US citizens still in #Pakistan should register to receive updates from the Embassy by signing up for STEP & monitor their emails,” it said in another tweet.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Pakistan on Friday last said that US government has arranged charters flights for the Americans who are residing in Pakistan, which are scheduled for April 10–12. In a press statement, the embassy warned the US citizens against missing the flight, saying, “For passengers confirmed on the U.S. government charters scheduled for April 10 –12, if you do not show up or decide to cancel at the last minute, please be prepared to remain in Pakistan.”

It said the U.S. Mission to Pakistan received thousands of requests for the April 10-12 flights. “We were unable to accommodate everyone, and seats were prioritized for those most at risk for COVID-19 based on CDC-defined guidance and Department of State guidance,” it added.

It advised the U.S. citizens still in Pakistan who want to return to the US: “Ensure you are enrolled in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and updates on flight availability. Check your email often. If you are in Pakistan and want to return to the US, ensure you have completed the Traveler Interest Form. If you have already submitted this form, do not resubmit it. We have your information; duplicate information will delay us contacting you.” (TLTP)