Kuwait City: Pakistan has so far evacuated over 1,000 nationals from Iran and Iraq amid growing escalation between Israel and Iran.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Pakistan Foreign Office, in close coordination with Iraqi Airways, successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad.
The Ministry remains actively engaged with Iraqi Airways and all other relevant Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq. The Foreign Office has advised all Pakistani pilgrims currently in Iraq to maintain close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad. Meanwhile, stranded Pakistanis in Iran were brought back to Pakistan through the Taftan border in eight coaches, carrying a total of 545 pilgrims and 228 students. The returnees are using the land route due to the closure of Iranian airspace. Deputy Commissioner Attaul Moneem welcomed the students and pilgrims at the border.
The district administration is providing medical care, food, accommodation, and travel facilities in Taftan to ensure that Pakistanis returning from Iran do not face any difficulties," stated the deputy commissioner. Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed all relevant authorities to offer every possible assistance for the safe return and protection of Pakistani pilgrims. A Crisis Management Cell was set up at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts following the Prime Minister's instructions.