Pakitan-Iran border at Taftan area. PHOTO: FAIQAH JABBAR: Wikimedia commons
QUETTA:
A total of 51 Pakistani nationals, including five students, have been repatriated from Iran following the outbreak of the Iran-US conflict, which has thrown the region into turmoil.
Pakistani authorities initiated the repatriation process of citizens stranded in Iran due to the deteriorating security situation. The first group of returnees safely crossed the Gabd-Rimdan border and entered Pakistan, marking the beginning of an accelerated humanitarian response amid rising regional instability.
According to Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqeebullah Kakar, 51 Pakistani nationals, including five students, have returned so far. The returnees include business people, tourists and students.
At the border crossing, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has set up 24-hour immigration counters to speed up entry procedures and ensure a smooth transition for arriving citizens. Documentation and security formalities are carried out on a prioritized basis to minimize waiting times.
In accordance with the directives of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the district administration has mobilized resources to provide temporary accommodation, meals and further travel assistance to the returnees.
Officials stated that 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 unfolding conflict.
Authorities stressed that repatriation efforts are underway, with plans in place to facilitate the safe return of more Pakistanis still in Iran. Border officials remain on high alert and are coordinating logistics to ensure an orderly and safe repatriation process.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the Ministry of External Affairs to take all necessary steps to ensure safe repatriation of Pakistanis stranded in Iran.
He directed that all citizens should be brought back safely to Pakistan via Azerbaijan. In this connection, he instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately contact the government of Azerbaijan.
Shehbaz also directed all relevant federal and provincial institutions to immediately ensure comprehensive and effective security measures given the prevailing situation. He emphasized that all institutions must discharge their responsibilities with mutual coordination and complete harmony.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had advised Pakistani nationals to avoid all non-mandatory travel to Iran for their safety.
