By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday repatriated another 618 of its nationals from Iran and Iraq as the conflict between Tehran and Israel intensifies, raising alarm over the safety of Pakistani citizens in the region, officials said.
The evacuation follows the return of 450 pilgrims from Iran a day earlier, part of a broader effort to bring home students and pilgrims stranded by the violence.
The repatriation push comes in the wake of Israel’s airstrikes on Iran last Friday, an offensive that killed Iranian commanders and scientists and targeted nuclear sites. Israel has framed the strikes as a necessary measure to thwart Tehran’s alleged pursuit of an atomic weapon—a charge Iran has repeatedly denied, insisting its uranium enrichment program serves civilian purposes.
The strikes and counterstrikes have disrupted regional travel, with Pakistan suspending flights to Iran and issuing a travel advisory.
In Balochistan, a district official reported that 350 Pakistani pilgrims and students crossed into the country via the Taftan border on Monday. Chagai Deputy Commissioner Attaul Muneem confirmed the group included 45 students and 305 pilgrims, all of whom had been stranded in Iran amid the escalating hostilities.
“Arrangements have been made to house them at Pakistan House in Taftan,” Muneem said in a statement from his office. “The pilgrims and students who have arrived are being sent to Quetta.” He added that the district administration is providing medical care, food, accommodation, and travel facilities to ensure the returnees face no difficulties.
Muneem noted that many Pakistanis in Iran are attempting to reach the land border as the conflict disrupts air travel and heightens security risks.
Despite the closure of several border crossings with Iran—Panjgur, Gwadar, and Kech have been shuttered by the Balochistan government citing regional instability—the Taftan crossing in Chagai district remains operational. Authorities there confirmed that cross-border trade and passenger movement continue as normal.
In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working closely with Iraqi Airways, facilitated the return of 268 Pakistani nationals from Iraq on Monday. Two special flights from Basra landed in Karachi and Islamabad, carrying citizens caught in the regional turmoil.
“The Ministry remains actively engaged with Iraqi Airways and all other relevant Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani zaireen in Iraq,” a Foreign Office spokesperson said.
The ministry urged all Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq to stay in close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, designated representatives, and their airlines for updates on travel arrangements.
Iraqi Airways is currently operating daily flights on the Basra-Dubai route, an option some Pakistanis utilised on Monday. Those interested were encouraged to reach out to the nearest Iraqi Airways office for booking and assistance.
“All zaireen are further advised to remain prepared for travel at short notice,” the Foreign Office added. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to facilitating the safe and orderly return of all Pakistani zaireen.”
On the day of the offensive, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed all relevant authorities to provide every possible assistance for the safe return and protection of Pakistani pilgrims in Iran. Following his orders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a Crisis Management Cell to oversee the situation and coordinate logistics.
The Pakistani Embassy in Iran has been instructed to remain vigilant and proactive in aiding citizens. On Monday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared the embassy’s hotline number, (0098)-2166941388, for those needing assistance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran, where airspace between the two countries remains suspended due to the ongoing conflict.
The latest evacuations build on Sunday’s operation, which saw 450 pilgrims return from Iran, and include 154 students among the first batch airlifted from the country.
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