Pakitan-Iran border in the Taftan region. PHOTO: FAIQAH JABBAR: Wikimedia commons
QUETTA:
A total of 51 Pakistani nationals, including five students, were repatriated from Iran following the outbreak of the Iran-US conflict, which plunged the region into turmoil.
Pakistani authorities have initiated the process of repatriating citizens stranded in Iran due to the deteriorating security situation. The first group of returnees safely crossed the Gabd-Rimdan border and returned to Pakistan, marking the start of an accelerated humanitarian response amid growing regional instability.
According to Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqeebullah Kakar, 51 Pakistani nationals, including five students, have returned successfully so far. Returnees include businessmen, tourists and students.
At the border post, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has set up a 24-hour immigration desk to expedite entry procedures and ensure a smooth transition for arriving citizens. Documentation and security formalities are completed as a priority in order to minimize waiting times.
As per the directives of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the district administration has mobilized resources to provide temporary accommodation, meals and travel assistance to the returnees.
Officials said these measures are aimed at meeting the immediate needs of citizens arriving after long and exhausting land journeys.
The development comes amid wider regional instability, with Pakistan calling for restraint and de-escalation in response to the ongoing conflict.
Authorities stressed that repatriation efforts were underway and plans were in place to facilitate the safe return of more Pakistanis still in Iran. Border authorities remain on alert and are coordinating logistics to ensure an orderly and secure repatriation process.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take all necessary measures to ensure safe repatriation of Pakistanis stranded in Iran.
He ordered that all citizens be returned safely to Pakistan via Azerbaijan. In this regard, he asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately contact the Azerbaijani government.
Shehbaz also directed all relevant federal and provincial institutions to immediately ensure comprehensive and effective security measures in view of the current situation. He stressed that all institutions must discharge their responsibilities in mutual coordination and in perfect harmony.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had advised Pakistani nationals to avoid non-obligatory travel to Iran for their safety and security.
