Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a directive to all relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of Pakistani pilgrims from Iran, emphasizing the utilization of all available resources for their repatriation.
Following the Prime Minister’s instruction, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the establishment of a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The primary objective of this unit is to guarantee the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and Zaireens currently residing in Iran.
Dar further stated that the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran has been instructed to provide comprehensive facilitation to the Pakistani community.
The embassy’s hotline number for assistance is: +98 21 6694 1388.
Around 5,000 Pakistani Zaireens Currently in Iran: FO
Approximately 5,000 Pakistani Zaireens are currently present in Iran, according to sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These sources added that the number of pilgrims traveling to Iran frequently fluctuates.
A challenge highlighted by the sources is that most Zaireens do not maintain contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions during their stay in Iran, which complicates assistance efforts in times of crisis.
In light of the prevailing situation, the Foreign Office has advised Pakistani citizens to reconsider travel plans to Iran and Iraq. The Pakistani Embassy in Tehran and its Consulates remain available and fully operational to assist any nationals requiring support.
