Pakistani nationals in Iran are urged to exercise caution and keep in regular contact with Pakistani missions
A supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran waves an Iranian flag as he takes part in a demonstration in support of the Iranian people’s uprising for democracy and freedom in Brussels on January 9, 2026. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted on January 9, 2026 that they “will not go back against the Islamic protests” anyway, in a nearly two-week movement sparked by anger over the rising cost of living. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s foreign ministry has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran as protests continue to grip the Islamic Republic for a second straight week.
The advisory, released on Saturday, comes as demonstrations that began over economic grievances have turned violent, with more than 25 people dead.
“For their safety, Pakistani nationals are advised to avoid all unnecessary travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until conditions improve,” it said.
“Pakistani nationals currently residing in Iran are urged to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, minimize non-essential travel and stay in regular contact with the Pakistani missions.”
For Pakistanis living in Iran, these are the relevant numbers to contact for updated information.
Embassy of Pakistan in Iran
- Tehran
- +98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91 (landline)
- +98-21-66-9448-88/90 (landline)
- +98 910 764 8298 (mobile)
- Zahidan
- +98 54 33 22 3389 (landline)
- +98 90 46 14 5412 (mobile)
- Mashhad:
- +98 910 762 5302
- +98 937 180 7175
Escalating unrest
Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout on Friday as authorities moved to quell the biggest wave of anti-government protests in more than a decade, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisting the Islamic republic “will not retreat”.
Crowds chanting slogans including “death to the dictator” and setting fire to official buildings marched through major cities late Thursday.
The protests began on December 28 with a shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over Iran’s collapsing economy. Iran’s economy experienced high inflation rates, a devalued currency, and an energy deficit that culminated in repeated electricity and gas blackouts. The Iranian rial has fallen sharply and the dollar has reached approximately 145,000 tomans.
Iran’s State Statistics Center reported inflation at 42.2% in December 2025, up 1.8% from November.
President Trump said Friday that the United States was “locked and loaded and ready” and warned that if Iran “violently kills protesters, which is their custom, the United States will come to their rescue.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also supported the protesters, telling ministers: “It is very possible that we are at a moment when the Iranian people take their destiny into their own hands”.
The rhetoric comes seven months after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, in which US forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iranian authorities have characterized the protests as foreign orchestrated disorder. Khamenei labeled protesters “vandals” and “saboteurs” and accused the United States of inciting unrest.
Read: Iran digs in as protests escalate across the country
Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that punishment of “rioters” would be “decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency”.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has accused Israel of supporting the protests, claiming that the unrest, which began with economic demands, had turned under Israeli guidance into an attempt to create disorder in the country.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said authorities imposed a total blackout of the connection, with the country offline for extended periods.
General Amir Hatami, commander of Iran’s army, warned that Tehran would respond robustly to external threats, saying: “If the enemy makes a mistake, Iran’s response will be more robust than during last June’s 12-day war with Israel”.
