As regional tensions continue to rise, Pakistan has ramped up efforts to repatriate its citizens from Iraq and Iran. According to the Foreign Office, 268 Pakistani pilgrims have safely returned from Iraq via two special flights arranged from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad.
In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the government is actively facilitating the safe and timely return of all remaining Pakistani pilgrims still stranded in Iraq.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant coordination with authorities to ensure the secure return of our citizens,” the spokesperson said. “Pilgrims are advised to stay in close contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Baghdad for real-time updates.”
Additionally, the spokesperson noted that Iraqi Airways is operating daily flights on the Basra-Dubai route, which could serve as an alternate pathway for repatriation. Pilgrims have been advised to remain prepared to travel at short notice.
Over 1,100 return from Iran via Taftan, Gwadar
Meanwhile, Pakistani pilgrims and students are also steadily returning from Iran, with authorities confirming a large influx at the Taftan and Gabd border crossings in Balochistan.
According to Taftan Assistant Commissioner Naeem Shahwani, 345 pilgrims and 45 students crossed back into Pakistan via the Taftan border on Monday alone. To date, 873 individuals have returned through this route. The returnees are being temporarily housed at Pakistan House in Taftan.
In a parallel development, 193 Pakistani students studying in Iran also returned home via the Gabd-Ramdan border crossing in Gwadar. Gwadar Assistant Commissioner Jawad Ahmad Zehri confirmed that the students had been enrolled in five different universities across Iran.
“The students expressed gratitude and satisfaction on their safe return,” Zehri said, highlighting the government's coordinated efforts to bring them back.
Border closures, deportations
Amid the crisis, Pakistan has closed its borders with Iran at Kech, Gwadar, Washuk, Panjgur, and Chagai, suspending the movement of pilgrims and trade caravans into Iran. However, Iranian citizens are still allowed to return home, and Iranian trade caravans can continue entering Pakistan.
Moreover, Iranian authorities have handed over 90 Pakistani nationals who were illegally residing in Iran to Pakistani authorities, further tightening border protocols in the region.
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