ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has facilitated the evacuation of 450 pilgrims from Iran, said Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Sunday.
“In light of the evolving regional situation, the Government of Pakistan is taking necessary measures for the welfare and safety of Pakistani nationals”, he stated in a post shared on micro-blogging platform X (former Twitter) on Sunday.
Dar said that 450 pilgrims have been evacuated as of Saturday, while arrangements have been made for the safe evacuation of students.
“Evacuation of 450 Pakistani Zaireen from Iran has been facilitated as of yesterday. Arrangements are being made for the safe evacuation of Pakistani students (154 in the first batch) currently residing in Iran”, reads the post.
Dar stated that the government was also taking measures for the safe stay and possible evacuation of pilgrims from 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”, reads the post.
He also stated that the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been made functional at the Foreign Office, and Missions in the region were coordinating closely to support stranded pilgrims and nationals due to the closure of airspace.
“Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at Foreign Office is operational 24/7; Contact details of CMU are: Phone: +92 51-9207887, Email: cmu1@mofa.gov.pk. Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals & Zaireens”, the post further reads.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has asked citizens to avoid travelling to Iran in the wake of Israeli attacks. According to media reports, thousands of Pakistani pilgrims were stranded in Iran and Iraq.
