WEBDESK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iran have been safely brought back to Pakistan. The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region, prompting swift action from the government.
Speaking on Sunday, Mr Dar said the evacuation of 450 Pakistani pilgrims from Iran was successfully completed the previous day. He added that arrangements were also being made to safely evacuate Pakistani students residing in Iran, with the first phase involving the return of 154 students.
Ishaq Dar stated that the repatriation effort was handled with urgency and care, given the sensitive security situation. The government is continuing to monitor the situation in Iran and providing support to remaining Pakistani nationals still there.
In neighbouring Iraq, Pakistani pilgrims remain stranded due to airspace closures. Mr Dar assured that Pakistan’s embassy in Iran is in constant contact with those affected, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe accommodation and potential evacuation.
A 24-hour Crisis Management Unit (CMU) is active at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist Pakistani nationals. The CMU can be reached at +92 51-9207887 or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk.
Earlier, in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the brotherly country after Israel’s aggression.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said that Ishaq Dar expressed solidarity with the government and people of Iran. The deputy prime minister condemned the Israeli aggression, describing the attacks on Iran as a clear violation of international laws.
