Over 5,600 Pakistanis repatriated from Iran amid war, says CM Bugti

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday said that 5,615 Pakistani citizens had safely returned home from Iran since February 28, describing the large-scale repatriation as the outcome of a coordinated government effort.

In a post on social media platform X, CM Bugti shared that the repatriated citizens had entered Pakistan through Gwadar and Chagai districts. He added that 431 foreign nationals, including 217 Iranian drivers, had also crossed into Pakistan during the same period.

Repatriation amid regional tensions

The repatriation has taken place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region following the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has severely disrupted travel and trade routes and prompted a significant number of Pakistani nationals to seek return.

In recent weeks, authorities have facilitated the return of hundreds of pilgrims, traders and labourers who found themselves stranded in Iran. Border crossings at Taftan and Gwadar have witnessed a marked increase in movement as a result of the ongoing efforts.

CM Bugti lauds district administrations

The chief minister praised the district administrations for their timely and effective performance in managing the repatriation process. His remarks highlighted the role of local governance structures in ensuring the safe passage and return of Pakistani citizens from the neighbouring country.

The large-scale movement of people across the Pakistan-Iran border underscores the impact the regional conflict has had on ordinary citizens, particularly those engaged in cross-border trade, labour and religious pilgrimages. With border crossings continuing to see heightened activity, the Balochistan government's coordination with district-level authorities has been central to managing the influx of returnees as well as the entry of foreign nationals into Pakistan.