ISLAMABAD: As foreigners continue to leave Libya in large numbers, the federal government has made no immediate plans to bring back the Pakistanis there, citing fears that efforts to evacuate them may further endanger their lives.

Officials are not sure what to do, because options for moving around groups of people in the conflict-hit country are limited.

“We have received reports that a large number of Pakistanis are opting to stay indoors at safe places in Libya rather than to move around in the streets,” Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar told Dawn.

“In comparison to Egypt, the situation in Libya is alarming and can be quite serious for families if they get stranded at the port, airport or airbase,” she said. The authorities were looking for a suitable place, preferably an airbase, from where to airlift the Pakistanis if required.

“With airports and ports in Libya becoming chocked with foreigners fleeing the country, it is important to look into other modes of evacuation as well,” the minister added.

There are between 15,000 and 18,000 Pakistanis in Libya.