FO advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq
Foreign Office. Photo: File
Amid escalating regional tensions following Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, Pakistan on Friday advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and Iraq, particularly for religious pilgrimage.
“In view of the evolving security situation in the region, pilgrims from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
In view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq.
The advisory comes in the wake of Israeli attacks on Iranian territory early Friday, which targeted high-value military and nuclear sites. The attacks resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Read more: Israel escalates attacks on Iran as Tehran vows retaliation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed all relevant government departments to extend full support to Pakistani citizens and pilgrims currently in Iran. He called for coordinated efforts to ensure their safety and facilitate their secure return to Pakistan.
In order to ensure safety & security of our nationals / Zaireens in Iran, we have activated a 24/7 Crisis Managament Unit (CMU) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan Embassy in Tehran has also been directed to provide all facilitation to community members/Zaireens. The…To respond to the emerging situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a Crisis Management Cell to provide emergency assistance to Pakistani nationals abroad.
The Pakistan Embassy in Tehran has also been instructed to remain in close contact with community members and Zaireen (pilgrims), and to offer all necessary facilitation. The Embassy has issued a dedicated emergency hotline: (+98) 2166941388.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely and has assured that further steps will be taken, if necessary, to safeguard the interests of its citizens abroad.