In light of existing uncertainties and disruptions to air operations caused by the ongoing conflict, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has provided assurance that the government is undertaking necessary measures for the well-being of Pakistani nationals in Iran and Iraq.
Taking to X, FM Dar stated that 450 Pakistani pilgrims were evacuated from Iran on Saturday, and arrangements are actively being made for 154 students currently stranded in Iran. He further elaborated, “Our Embassy in Iraq is in contact with Pakistani Zaireen who are stranded due to the closure of airspace. Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation.”
The minister additionally confirmed that the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Foreign Office is operating 24/7 and can be reached at +92 51-9207887 and cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. He assured, “Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals and Zaireens.”
Travel Advisory: Avoid Travel to Iran
Furthermore, the government has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran for a limited period, considering the recent Israeli attacks. In its advisory issued to citizens, the government affirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully committed to safeguarding its citizens. In line with directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, essential measures have already been initiated for the safe return of Pakistani nationals currently in Iran, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
On the other hand, diplomatic sources claimed that thousands of Pakistani religious tourists and pilgrims are currently stranded in Iran and Iraq. A Pakistani traveler reported that the only available emergency number for the Pakistani embassy in Tehran was unreachable. Meanwhile, sources indicated that the Pakistani ambassador to Iran is currently in Pakistan on leave. Moreover, the traveler mentioned that calls to the Pakistani embassy’s emergency numbers in Iraq were also not being answered. Sources confirmed that the Pakistani embassy in Iraq is operating as usual, though a notice from the embassy stated it would remain closed on June 15 due to a religious holiday.
On Friday, Israel launched a barrage of missiles targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, resulting in the deaths of several top officials and provoking a counter-attack by Iran in what has become one of the most severe escalations in recent memory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s assault on its arch-rival would continue “as many days” as necessary, citing Israeli intelligence that Tehran was nearing the “point of no return” on its nuclear program. Among the 215 fatalities in the massive Israeli attacks were nine Iranian nuclear scientists, the heads of Iran’s entire military, and its Revolutionary Guards. Tehran’s air defenses also reportedly suffered a significant hit. Since then, Iran has launched multiple waves of missile salvoes on Israeli cities, but only some missiles have struck targets, causing approximately 10 deaths.
