QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Jam Kamal Khan Tuesday thanked the federal government for initiating the repatriation process of the province's residents stranded abroad due to COVID-19 aftermath.

Jam Kamal also praised Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari for giving special attention to the issue and taking immediate measures.

A letter was sent to the SAPM on behalf of the chief minister demanding to ensure the return of the people of Balochistan stranded in Middle East and other countries.

The chief minister had apprised the SAPM about the difficulties and problems faced by them.

In response to the CM's letter, the SAPM directed the Pakistani embassies to take immediate measures to ensure the return of Pakistanis who hail from Balochistan.

As a result of these measures, 165 people reached Quetta by private flight on Tuesday.

The provincial health department conducted their test for coronavirus.

The overseas Pakistanis who returned back home thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Jam Kamal Khan and SAPM Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari for their safe repatriation to homeland.