Islamabad is currently managing a complex evacuation operation as approximately 35,000 Pakistani nationals remain stranded in Iran. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the challenges posed by the closure of air routes between Iran and Gulf countries, which has left travelers from several nations, including Pakistan, unable to return home. This disruption has created a significant logistical hurdle for the government as it strives to bring its citizens back safely.
During a detailed media briefing, Ishaq Dar revealed that the ongoing conflict in the region has had tragic consequences, including the death of one Pakistani individual in Abu Dhabi due to a missile strike. He further disclosed that around 40,000 Pakistanis are currently in Iraq, many of whom are pilgrims visiting religious sites. In Qatar, the Pakistani community is sizable, with approximately 350,000 residents and an additional 1,450 individuals present on visit visas, underscoring the widespread presence of Pakistanis across the Middle East.
Dar also provided updates on the movement of people between Iran and Pakistan, stating that roughly 300 Iranian nationals have arrived in Pakistan recently. Meanwhile, 792 Pakistanis have successfully returned from Iran so far, and 64 have made their way to Azerbaijan from Iran. These figures reflect the ongoing efforts to facilitate safe passage for those caught in the turmoil. However, the closure of most air routes in Iran and Gulf countries remains a significant obstacle, forcing many travelers to seek alternative routes.
While air travel remains largely suspended, land routes through Gulf states are still open, albeit with considerable delays due to the long distances and security concerns. Except for Oman and Saudi Arabia, most air corridors remain shut down, making road travel the only viable option for many. In this context, Pakistan has expressed gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for its cooperation in assisting with evacuation flights operating out of Baku. This partnership has become a critical lifeline for stranded Pakistanis seeking to return home.
Highlighting the broader regional dynamics, Dar mentioned that around 2.5 million Pakistanis reside in Saudi Arabia, a country with which Pakistan maintains a strong defense agreement. He noted that this cooperation has contributed to a reduction in attacks by Iran on Saudi and Omani territories, reflecting the strategic importance of these bilateral ties in maintaining relative stability in the region.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, provided an on-the-ground perspective from Bandar Abbas, where intense shelling has severely disrupted normal life. Public transportation, including buses, has ceased operations, complicating evacuation efforts. To address this, the embassy is arranging private vehicles to help Pakistani nationals cross the border safely. Ambassador Tipu assured that all stranded individuals in the area would be evacuated within the next day or two.
So far, 850 Pakistanis have been successfully repatriated from Iran, but the ambassador emphasized the importance of making travel decisions with security considerations at the forefront. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is coordinating with regional partners to ensure the safe return of its citizens amid the ongoing crisis.
