Evacuation of Pakistani citizens during the Yemeni civil war (2015)

The Evacuation of Pakistani citizens during the Yemeni civil war (2015) refers to the operation undertaken by the Pakistani government to repatriate Pakistani nationals stranded in Yemen following the escalation of conflict in March 2015. The civil war, pitting Houthi rebels against the Yemeni government and its allies, created a dangerous and unstable environment that threatened the safety of foreign residents, including a significant Pakistani community.

The Pakistani government launched a multi-pronged effort involving naval vessels and airlifts. Pakistan Navy ships, notably PNS Aslat and PNS Shujahat, were deployed to the region to transport evacuees from Yemeni ports, primarily the port of Aden. These ships carried Pakistani citizens, as well as some foreign nationals of other countries who requested assistance.

Simultaneously, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operated special flights to evacuate citizens from Sana'a International Airport and other Yemeni airfields, where conditions permitted. The airlift operation was challenging due to the ongoing fighting and airspace restrictions.

The evacuation effort was coordinated by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani Embassy in Yemen, working in close collaboration with other government agencies and the armed forces. The operation prioritized the safety and well-being of Pakistani citizens, providing them with transportation, medical assistance, and temporary shelter upon arrival in Pakistan.

The scale of the evacuation was significant, involving the repatriation of thousands of Pakistani citizens. The operation faced numerous logistical hurdles, including navigating the complex security situation in Yemen, coordinating with various stakeholders, and managing the influx of evacuees upon their arrival in Pakistan. Despite these challenges, the Pakistani government successfully evacuated the vast majority of its citizens who wished to leave Yemen during the crisis.

The evacuation highlights Pakistan's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, particularly in times of conflict and crisis. It also underscored the importance of having robust contingency plans and effective coordination mechanisms for responding to emergency situations involving overseas Pakistani communities. The successful completion of the evacuation was widely praised within Pakistan and by international observers.