Over 150 Pakistanis repatriated as Iran conflict deepens after US-Israel strikes

QUETTA: More than 150 Pakistani students, pilgrims, tourists and traders have begun returning home through the Taftan and Gwadar border crossings in Balochistan as tensions escalate in Iran following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel.

The government has initiated an emergency repatriation process to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Islamic Republic.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Chagai, 19 students affiliated with Zahedan Medical University crossed into Pakistan overnight via the Taftan border from the Iranian city of Zahedan. The group includes 12 students from Punjab and seven from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. After undergoing medical screening and administrative formalities, arrangements are being made to transport them safely to their respective provinces.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Naqeebullah Kakar confirmed that 104 Pakistani nationals returned through the Gabd-Rimdan border near Gwadar. Among them were five students, along with pilgrims, tourists and traders who had been stranded as the regional situation worsened.

Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan Muhammad Behram Khan said immigration services at border crossings are operating round the clock to facilitate the uninterrupted return of citizens. Authorities are providing food, temporary accommodation and onward travel arrangements to ensure their safe relocation.

Officials have urged all Pakistanis still in Iran—particularly students and pilgrims—to return immediately through available land routes. Movement at both Taftan and Gwadar crossings remains active, with more arrivals expected in the coming days.

The repatriation drive comes amid heightened regional instability triggered by US-Israeli strikes in Iran, which have reportedly left 201 people dead and over 700 injured. The situation further escalated after Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in what was described as a targeted strike on his leadership compound.

In response, Iran has reportedly launched retaliatory attacks targeting US military installations across several Gulf states, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq.

Simultaneously, aviation operations from Pakistan to the Middle East have been severely disrupted. Over the past three days, more than 500 domestic and international flights have been cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Authorities say the government is taking all possible measures to secure the safe return of stranded nationals as the regional crisis continues to unfold.