RAWALPINDI, Oct 6: One hundred and thirty Russians were evacuated from Pakistan amidst growing fears of a domestic backlash over government’s decision to back the United States and allied forces in their campaign against terrorism, sources said here on Saturday.

Two aircraft, II-62 and passenger jet II-76, had been sent from Moscow by the Russian government’s ministry of emergencies to evacuate the Russian nationals from Pakistan.

The Russians based in Pakistan were supposed to leave on Thursday, but their departure was delayed due to certain unspecified reasons. Many had hinted that the evacuation had been postponed in view of British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s visit.

Russian embassy officials on being contacted said only the families and non-essential staff had been evacuated, while the diplomatic staff was working normally. Russian embassy was having 140 Russian staff in Pakistan.

A Russian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there were concerns among their colleagues that religious extremist groups might attack the foreigners after the allied forces launch an offensive against Taliban militia.

Meanwhile, foreigners gripped with security fears, continued to leave Pakistan. A large number of embassies have cut down their presence and have relocated their staff.