QUETTA: Amid ongoing violent protests in different parts of Iran, Pakistani students enrolled in various universities and religious institutions, along with pilgrims visiting holy sites, have begun returning to Pakistan via the Gwadar route.
Officials said that more than 134 students and pilgrims have crossed into Pakistan through the Gabad-250 border crossing, with additional arrivals expected on Tuesday.
According to officials, a group of Pakistani students reached the border in coaches and entered Pakistan on Sunday evening, while pilgrims crossed over on Monday afternoon.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration authorities confirmed the returns. Senior FIA official Balaach Yaqoob confirmed that over 134 Pakistani students and pilgrims had returned from Iran over the past two days. He added that another group of around 50 students was expected to arrive at the Gabad-250 border crossing later today.
An official posted at the Gabad border said that around 40 Pakistani pilgrims, including women and children, arrived on Monday afternoon. He further stated that an 18-member family of Pakistani pilgrims had also been received at the immigration office, while more pilgrims were en route to the crossing.
Most of the students and pilgrims who entered Pakistan proceeded to their hometowns after completing immigration formalities. Officials said they were awaiting the arrival of the remaining group of students, who are enrolled at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences.
Protests began on December 28 against high inflation and spread across the country. The collapse of the rial has led to a widening economic crisis in Iran. Prices are up on meat, rice and other staples of the Iranian dinner table. The nation has been struggling with an annual inflation rate of some 40 percent.
