- Both sides express ‘deep concern and anguish over deteriorating regional situation
- DPM Dar also confirms 450 Pakistani pilgrims evacuated from Iran, more to follow
ISLAMABAD: Amid the intense military confrontation between Iran and Israel, the government has confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims have been evacuated from Iran, with more to follow from the neighboring country as well as from Iraq.
Israel launched an intense airstrike on military and nuclear sites in Iran on Friday, killing top commanders of armed forces and scientists, besides bombing nuclear sites, prompting Tehran to retaliate with a missile attack inside Israel.
In a post on X this afternoon, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the government was taking necessary measures for the welfare and safety of Pakistani nationals.
He noted that 450 Pakistani zaireen (pilgrims) had been evacuated from Iran yesterday. Arrangements have been made for the safe evacuation of Pakistani students currently residing in Iran, including 154 in the first batch.
“Our Embassy in Iraq is in contact with Pakistani zaireen who are stranded due to the closure of airspace,” Dar said on X. “Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation.”
He noted that the Crisis Management Unit at the Foreign Office is operational 247 and can be contacted at:+92 51-9207887 and [email protected]
“Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals and zaireen,” Dar added.
Following Israel’s initial strikes, PM Shehbaz on Friday directed all relevant authorities to provide every possible assistance for the safe return and protection of Pakistani pilgrims currently in Iran.
The Foreign Office also advised all pilgrims from Pakistan to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq in view of the evolving security situation in the region.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran Mudasir Tipu is currently in his home country for official meetings, the FO said.
“The embassy under the instructions of the foreign minister along with Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working to extend all possible facilitation to Pakistanis in Iran,” it added.
Dar, Turkish FM express concern
Meanwhile, DPM Dar received a telephone call on Sunday from Foreign Minister of Türkiye Hakan Fidan as both leaders expressed “deep concern and anguish over the deteriorating regional situation due to Israel’s unjustified attacks on Iran”.
He also confirmed his participation in the forthcoming meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum’s (ICYF) ceremony, both scheduled to be held next week in Istanbul.
PM Shehbaz had earlier, during a telephonic call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Pakistan’s presence in the events.
PM Shehbaz said Dar would represent Pakistan at the upcoming OIC CFM meeting in Istanbul. He also congratulated President Erdogan for being honored by the ICYF. The OIC CFM is scheduled to take place in Istanbul from 21-22 June.
