450 Pakistani devotees safely evacuated from Iran, confirms foreign minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that 450 Pakistani Zaireen (devotees) have been successfully evacuated from Iran, stating that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals in the region.

In his message on X, formerly Twitter, he said that steps were also being taken for the safe evacuation of Pakistani students from the country. "As many as 154 students will be evacuated in the first phase,” he informed.

The foreign minister further stated that efforts are underway to evacuate and ensure the safe accommodation of Pakistanis stranded in Iraq. “Our embassy in Iraq is in contact with Pakistani Zaireen who are stranded due to the closure of airspace. Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation,” said Dar.

"We are making efforts for their safe accommodation as well as likely evacuation,” the deputy PM said, and added, "The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) is functional in the Foreign Ministry round the clock.”

Earlier, the government of Pakistan has asked its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran for a limited period in light of recent Israeli attacks.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed all relevant authorities to provide every possible assistance for the safe return and protection of Pakistani devotees (Zaireen).

In light of this directives, a Crisis Management Cell has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts.

The Pakistani embassy in Iran has also been instructed to remain vigilant and actively assist the pilgrims. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has shared the embassy's hotline number: (0098)-2166941388.

The prime minister emphasised that immediate and effective measures must be taken to ensure the safety of all Pakistani nationals in Iran. He further instructed that all available resources be utilised to facilitate their safe and prompt return to Pakistan.

He directed that until the regional situation normalises, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Iran will remain on high alert, ensuring continued support and communication with the pilgrims.

The Foreign Office also advised all Zaireen from Pakistan to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq in view of the evolving security situation in the region.

Pakistan was among several countries and international actors which condemned Israel's strikes, with the foreign ministry calling it "unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel."

"The Israeli military strikes violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and clearly contravene the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter," Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement.