Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that more than 450 Pakistani pilgrims have been evacuated from Iran amid growing tensions and disruptions in air travel across the Middle East. The government is also working to facilitate the return of 154 Pakistani students currently stranded in Iran.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), FM Dar assured that Pakistan’s embassies in Iran and Iraq are actively coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens. “Our embassy in Iraq is in contact with stranded Pakistani Zaireen following the closure of airspace. Arrangements are being made for their secure stay and possible evacuation,” he stated.
He added that the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully operational around the clock and can be contacted at +92 51-9207887 or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. “We remain fully committed to protecting Pakistani nationals in the region,” he affirmed.
Travel Advisory Issued for Iran
Amid escalating conflict and ongoing military activity, the government has advised Pakistani citizens to avoid travel to Iran temporarily. The advisory follows Israeli missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, which have significantly heightened regional instability.
The Foreign Office stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and has already begun necessary preparations for the safe return of Pakistani nationals in Iran, as per Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives.
Communication Challenges Reported
Despite the government’s reassurances, some travellers have reported difficulties in reaching Pakistani embassies. A Pakistani citizen in Tehran said that the only listed emergency number was not functional. Additionally, sources claimed that the Pakistani ambassador to Iran is currently on leave and in Pakistan.
There were also concerns regarding the Pakistani embassy in Iraq, with calls reportedly going unanswered. However, diplomatic sources maintained that the embassy in Iraq is operating normally. A notice issued by the embassy confirmed it would remain closed on June 15 due to a religious holiday.
Escalation Between Israel and Iran
The crisis stems from Israel’s missile strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, which reportedly killed several top officials, including high-ranking military and Revolutionary Guard leaders, and nine nuclear scientists. Iran’s air defences were also severely damaged.
In response, Iran launched multiple missile attacks on Israeli cities. While some projectiles hit their targets, causing casualties, most were intercepted. Nearly 10 people have been reported killed in Israel due to these retaliatory strikes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s operation would continue “for as many days as needed,” citing intelligence that Iran was nearing a critical point in its nuclear development.
