Amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran, Pakistani evacuation efforts have intensified. Islamabad has successfully evacuated at least 450 pilgrims from Iran, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Sunday. Pakistan is also arranging the safe return of more than 150 students and assisting pilgrims stranded in Iraq as the conflict shows no signs of slowing.
Pilgrims Caught in the Crossfire
Thousands of Pakistanis travel annually to religious sites in Iran and Iraq. However, since Israel launched its first wave of missile attacks on Friday—targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities as well as residential areas—many pilgrims have been stranded. These attacks triggered heavy Iranian retaliation, sparking fears of a wider regional war.
“Evacuation of 450 Pakistani zaireen from Iran has been facilitated as of yesterday,” Dar said on X (formerly Twitter). He added that the first group of 154 Pakistani students currently residing in Iran would also be brought back soon.
Assistance in Iraq and Crisis Response
With Iraq closing its airspace in response to regional instability, Pakistan’s embassy in Baghdad is assisting nationals stuck in the country. “Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation,” said Dar.
He further noted that Pakistan’s foreign ministry has set up a round-the-clock crisis unit. Embassies across the region are working closely to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens, students, and pilgrims.
Read: Times Square Welcomes Field Marshal Asim Munir with Billboard Tribute
Travel Warnings and Diplomatic Stance
Islamabad has advised its citizens to postpone travel to Iran and Iraq until the security situation stabilizes. On Saturday, the government issued an official travel advisory warning Pakistanis to avoid Iran temporarily.
Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s missile strikes, calling them an “unjustified violation” of Iran’s sovereignty. Islamabad urged the global community to step in and de-escalate the situation through diplomacy.
Rising Death Toll and Warnings
Iran reported at least 138 people killed in Israeli strikes since Friday, including 60 on Saturday alone. Half of those victims were children. Israel, meanwhile, has warned Iranians near weapons facilities to evacuate, as it plans to intensify its operations.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
