As regional tensions continue to escalate, Pakistan has increased its efforts to bring its citizens home from Iraq and Iran. According to the Foreign Office, 268 Pakistani pilgrims have safely returned from Iraq on two special flights chartered from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad.
In a statement released on Monday, the Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the government is actively facilitating the safe and timely return of all remaining Pakistani pilgrims currently in Iraq.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining continuous coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the secure repatriation of our citizens,” the spokesperson stated. “Pilgrims are advised to remain in close contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Baghdad for real-time updates.”
Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that Iraqi Airways is operating daily flights on the Basra-Dubai route, which offers an alternative travel option for repatriation. Pilgrims have been urged to be prepared for travel with short notice.
Over 1,100 Return from Iran via Taftan and Gwadar
Concurrently, Pakistani pilgrims and students are steadily returning from Iran, with authorities confirming a significant influx at the Taftan and Gabd border crossings in Balochistan.
According to Naeem Shahwani, Assistant Commissioner of Taftan, 345 pilgrims and 45 students re-entered Pakistan via the Taftan border on Monday alone. To date, 873 individuals have returned through this route. The returnees are being temporarily accommodated at Pakistan House in Taftan.
In a parallel development, 193 Pakistani students enrolled in various universities in Iran also returned home through the Gabd-Ramdan border crossing in Gwadar. Gwadar Assistant Commissioner Jawad Ahmad Zehri confirmed that these students had been studying at five different Iranian universities.
“The students expressed their gratitude and satisfaction upon their safe return,” Zehri remarked, highlighting the government’s coordinated efforts to facilitate their repatriation.
Border Closures and Deportations
Amidst the ongoing crisis, Pakistan has implemented border closures with Iran at Kech, Gwadar, Washuk, Panjgur, and Chagai, suspending the movement of pilgrims and trade caravans into Iran. However, Iranian citizens are still permitted to return to their home country, and Iranian trade caravans can continue to enter Pakistan.
Additionally, Iranian authorities have handed over 90 Pakistani nationals who were residing illegally in Iran to Pakistani authorities, further tightening border protocols in the region.
