Amidst the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has been actively working to bring its citizens home. On Monday, immigration officials at the Taftan border confirmed that 714 Pakistani nationals, including citizens, traders, and drivers, were repatriated from Iran via buses. Special security measures are in place due to the ongoing tensions.
Among those returning were 214 students, with the latest group of 154 arriving from Tehran on three buses. After completing immigration formalities at Taftan, they will be accommodated at Pakistan House. The repatriation efforts began following the outbreak of the Israel-Iran conflict on Friday, a conflict that has reportedly involved large-scale Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military bases, nuclear sites, and residential areas, resulting in numerous casualties. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel, also causing fatalities.
Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully repatriated 268 Pakistani nationals from Basra, Iraq, on two special Iraqi Airways flights to Karachi and Islamabad. The Foreign Office spokesperson stated their continued engagement with Iraqi Airways and Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe return of remaining Pakistani pilgrims (zaireen) in Iraq. Pilgrims are advised to stay in close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, designated representatives (mandoobs), and their airlines for travel updates. The ministry highlighted the availability of daily Iraqi Airways flights on the Basra-Dubai route for those interested.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government closed all border crossing points with Iran in Panjgur, Gwadar, and Kech as a precautionary measure due to regional instability. The Ministry of Interior has advised Pakistani citizens to avoid traveling to Iran, and airspace between the two countries remains closed. However, the Taftan border crossing in Chagai district remains open, with cross-border trade and passenger movement continuing normally.
