Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review ongoing evacuation efforts for Pakistani nationals currently stranded in Iran and Iraq.
Dar was briefed on the progress made so far and on upcoming evacuation plans. Expressing satisfaction over the efforts, he directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accelerate the return of all remaining citizens.
“The Foreign Office, in coordination with other departments, shall expedite the repatriation of Pakistani citizens and provide all assistance to those who are still present in Iran and Iraq,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today chaired a meeting to review the ongoing evacuation of Pakistani nationals/zaireen presently stranded in Iran & Iraq. The meeting was attended by the Foreign Secretary and other senior… pic.twitter.com/I7X8VqNU6L
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 18, 2025
The meeting, attended by the foreign secretary and senior officials, focused on streamlining repatriation logistics amid escalating regional tensions.
He also instructed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a smooth and efficient evacuation process.
Meanwhile, Pakistan begun repatriating over 400 of its nationals stranded in Iraq, officials said on Wednesday, as special flights transport the pilgrims back home amid ongoing regional instability.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistani embassy in Iraq, 415 Pakistani pilgrims will be flown to Karachi and Islamabad through special Iraqi Airways flights. “The return process is under way, and two more flights will operate today and tomorrow,” the official confirmed.
Also Read: Pakistan recalls diplomats, non-essential staff from Tehran
In the holy city of Najaf, arrangements for temporary accommodation and three daily meals have been made for around 250 pilgrims awaiting their return. The Pakistani mission has also secured transit facilities for those travelling via Kuwait.
“All efforts are being made to ensure the safe, dignified, and swift return of Pakistani pilgrims from Iraq,” the embassy said in a statement. “We remain in close coordination with Iraqi Airways to facilitate the return of as many pilgrims as possible.”
To assist affected citizens, the embassy has set up a dedicated helpline and WhatsApp group. Pilgrims in need of help can contact officials via +964 783 495 0311.
Officials also confirmed that similar repatriation flights will be launched for Pakistanis in Iran, with plans to bring them home via Iraq.
Read More: FO confirms safe return of 268 Pakistanis from Iraq
A total of 78 Pakistanis, including 47 students, returned to Pakistan through the Taftan border, raising the total number of repatriated citizens to 1,200. The Pakistani nationals, comprising mostly pilgrims, were stranded in Iran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
A day earlier, Pakistan has also recalled some of its diplomats, non-essential staff, and their families from Tehran due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and the changing regional situation.
According to a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the move was prompted by the ongoing war and heightened tensions in the region. However, the official clarified that the Pakistani Embassy and Consulate in Tehran will continue their operations.
The official also confirmed that the staff members identified as non-essential have been instructed to return to Pakistan along with their families. Arrangements have been made to facilitate the safe return of the staff.
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