Iranian authorities have rescued 10 Pakistani citizens who were being held hostage by a criminal gang promising illegal passage to Europe.

The operation was praised by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassar Tipu, who expressed deep gratitude to the Iranian government and law enforcement agencies for their swift and effective response. He stated that the timely action by the Iranian police saved several Pakistani families from disaster.

Deeply thankful to Government of Iran for carrying out a robust police action against human smugglers that led to release of ten Pakistani nationals. All of them are safe and with the protection of Embassy . We are making arrangements for their return to Pakistan. I urge our…
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) June 2, 2025

“These individuals were being exploited by human traffickers under the false promise of sending them to Europe. Their rescue is a testament to Iran’s commitment to combating such criminal activities,” said Ambassador Tipu in an official statement.

The Pakistani Embassy in Tehran took custody of the rescued individuals on Sunday night and has since been providing them with full consular support, including shelter, food, and medical attention. Arrangements for their safe repatriation to Pakistan are currently underway.

I received my nationals in Embassy today who were kidnapped by human smugglers of both 🇵🇰 &🇮🇷 . It was tragic to know their horrifying tales of assault , pain, suffering , & emotional toll on their minds for what they had gone through. I call upon our nationals not to be trapped… pic.twitter.com/oFrMSdrOhl
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) June 2, 2025

The ambassador mentioned the "horrifying tales of assault, pain, suffering, & emotional toll" the Pakistanis went through and confirmed that the Iranian police arrested members of the gang responsible for this despicable act of human exploitation.

Ambassador Tipu also issued a strong warning to the public, urging Pakistanis not to fall prey to the false promises of human traffickers. “Please seek legal and safe channels for going abroad. These illegal routes are dangerous and often end in tragedy,” he appealed.