The DPM orders a rapid evacuation of Pakistanis blocked in Iran, Iraq,

Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to examine the ongoing evacuation efforts for Pakistani nationals currently blocked in Iran and Iraq.

DAR has been informed of the progress made so far and the upcoming evacuation plans. Expressing satisfaction of efforts, he ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accelerate the return of all remaining citizens.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with other departments, will accelerate the repatriation of Pakistani citizens and provides all assistance to those who are still present in Iran and Iraq,” he said.

The meeting, assisted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior officials, focused on the rationalization of the logistics of repatriation in the midst of regional tensions in climbing.

He also asked Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a fluid and efficient evacuation process.

Meanwhile, Pakistan began to replace more than 400 of its nationals blocked in Iraq, officials announced on Wednesday, while special flights transported pilgrims to them in the middle of continuous regional instability.

According to a spokesperson for the Pakistani Embassy in Iraq, 415 Pakistani pilgrims will be transported by plane to Karachi and Islamabad thanks to Iraqi special flights. “The return process is underway, and two other flights will work today and tomorrow,” said the official.

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In the holy city of Najaf, temporary accommodation arrangements and three daily meals were taken for around 250 pilgrims awaiting their return. The Pakistani mission has also obtained public transport facilities for those who travel via Kuwait.

“All efforts are made to ensure the safe, worthy and fast return to Iraq Pakistani pilgrims,” ​​the embassy said in a statement. “We remain in close coordination with the Iraqi respiratory tract to facilitate the return of as many pilgrims as possible.”

To help the affected citizens, the embassy created a dedicated telephone and WhatsApp line. Pilgrims who need help can contact civil servants via +964 783 495 0311.

Officials have also confirmed that similar repatriation flights will be launched for Pakistanis in Iran, with plans to bring them home via Iraq.

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A total of 78 Pakistani, including 47 students, returned to Pakistan through the Taftan border, increasing the total number of citizens repatriated to 1,200. Pakistani nationals, mainly comprising pilgrims, were blocked in Iran due to the current Israeli-Iranian conflict.

One day earlier, Pakistan also recalled some of its diplomats, non-essential staff and their teheran families due to the climbing of Israeli-Iranian conflicts and the evolution of the regional situation.

According to a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the move was caused by the current war and increased tensions in the region. However, the manager said that the Pakistani embassy and consulate in Tehran would continue their operations.

The official also confirmed that staff members identified as non -essential were invited to return to Pakistan with their families. Arrangements have been made to facilitate the safe return of staff.