The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the successful return of 268 Pakistani nationals of Iraq through two special flights operated by Iraqi Airways.
The flights, which originated from Basra, arrived safely in Karachi and Islamabad earlier in the day, confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday in a statement released on X.
Authorities said they remain in active coordination with Iraqi respiratory and relevant Iraqi officials to facilitate timely and secure return of all remaining Pakistani pilgrims or Zaireen, still in Iraq.
“All Pakistani Zaireen is currently advisable to remain in close contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Baghdad, appointed Mandoobs and their respective airlines for timely updates on their travel arrangements,” the statement states.
The ministry added that Iraqi Airways is currently operating daily flights on the Basra – the Dubai route that some Pakistani citizens have already used as an alternative travel setting. Those who seek to use this route are encouraged to reach the nearest Iraqi Airways office for reservation and help.
“All Zaireen is advisable to be further prepared for travel at short notice,” the ministry said, adding that it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation.
Read more: 450 Pakistani Pilgrims evacuated from Iran
The Foreign Office confirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe and orderly repatriation of all citizens stranded in Iraq in the midst of increased regional tensions.
A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that 450 Pakistani Pilgrims have been successfully evacuated by Iran, saying the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that Pakistani nationals in the region are safe.
He said the evacuation of 450 Pakistani Pilgrims from Iran was completed on Saturday. He added that arrangements were also made on secure evacuation of the first batch of 154 Pakistani students stranded in Iran.
Israel’s attack on Iran
The recent conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated to the most intense direct confrontation in their history as both countries exchange major strikes.
Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” with a surprise attack on June 13 and targeted Iranian military leadership, nuclear facilities and ballistic missile production sites.
The operation resulted in deaths of dozens, including the supreme Iranian commanders and nuclear researchers. Israeli officials said the campaign would be intensified in the coming days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to continue to beat “any goal of the regime”, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that further attacks would trigger “a more serious and strong reaction.”
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In contrast, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at Israeli targets over the weekend and hit both military bases and civil infrastructure.
At least 14 people were reported killed in Israel and dozens more were injured. An Iranian missile barrage killed three people and wounded 76.
Iranian authorities say that more than 224 civilian, including 70 women and children, has been clutched in Israeli assaults, according to Al Jazeera.
Bomber has targeted Northern Tehran’s NiAvaran District as well as Saadat Abad, Valiasr and Hafte Tir.
Among those killed in the Israeli strikes were the intelligence chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two Senior Generals along with Iran’s eight nuclear scientists.
