Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Pratap Singh Bajwa, has strongly appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the safe evacuation of Indians stranded in conflict-affected Gulf countries.
Expressing serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, Bajwa highlighted the recent military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, followed by Iran’s alleged retaliatory attacks targeting American air bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
He stated that the escalating conflict has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the region. Thousands of Indians, including a significant number of Punjabis, are currently residing in these countries for employment and education.
Bajwa emphasized that their safety and well-being must be treated as a national priority. He urged the Government of India to immediately activate all diplomatic channels, enhance coordination with host governments, and prepare emergency evacuation plans to safeguard Indian citizens.
The senior Congress leader also called for the establishment of emergency helplines and real-time advisory support for those in distress. “The Government of India must not wait for the situation to worsen. Preventive and protective action is the need of the hour,” he said.
Criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, Bajwa alleged that it has failed to strongly raise the issue with the Centre. He asserted that the state government must exert immediate pressure on the central government to ensure the safety and evacuation of Punjabis trapped abroad.
Reiterating his demand, Bajwa stressed that citizens’ safety must rise above political considerations and called for swift, coordinated, and transparent action to bring every Indian home safely.
