Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed the safe evacuation of 450 Pakistani pilgrims from Iran, amid rising tensions in the region following a deadly exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel. In a statement released on Sunday via X, Dar said the evacuation was completed on Saturday and that further efforts are underway to ensure the safety of all Pakistani nationals.
The government is also arranging the evacuation of 154 Pakistani students currently stranded in Iran. Additionally, steps are being taken to support Pakistanis trapped in Iraq due to airspace closures. “Our embassy in Iraq is in contact with Pakistani Zaireen. Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation,” Dar stated.
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To support citizens abroad, a 24-hour Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been activated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The CMU is available at +92 51-9207887 or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s embassies across the region are coordinating closely to protect and assist nationals affected by the conflict.
The evacuation follows a major Israeli assault on Iran early Friday, which targeted nuclear facilities, missile factories, and military personnel. At least 78 people were killed, including six nuclear scientists and several IRGC generals. Iran retaliated with missile strikes across central Israel, killing three and injuring over 90.
The situation has caused widespread devastation in cities such as Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, where buildings have collapsed and residents have been forced to evacuate. As violence escalates, global concern mounts over the potential for a wider regional conflict.
