Pakistan issues travel advisory as Iran protests turn violent
A supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran waves an Iran's flag as he takes part in a demonstration in support of the Iranian people s uprising for democracy and freedom in Brussels on January 9, 2026. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on January 9, 2026 insisted that the Islamic republic would "not back down" in the face of protests after the biggest rallies yet in an almost two week movement sparked by anger over the rising cost of living. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran, as protests continue to grip the Islamic Republic for a second consecutive week.
The advisory, released on Saturday, comes as demonstrations that began over economic grievances have turned violent, with more than 25 people dead.
"For their safety and security, Pakistani nationals are advised to avoid all unnecessary travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until conditions improve," it said.
"Pakistani nationals currently residing in Iran are urged to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, minimise non-essential travel, and stay in regular contact with the Pakistani Missions."
For Pakistanis living in Iran, these are the relevant numbers to contact for up-to-date information.
Embassy of Pakistan in Iran
- Tehran
- +98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91 (landline)
- +98-21-66-9448-88/90 (landline)
- +98 910 764 8298 (mobile)
- Zahidan
- +98 54 33 22 3389 (landline)
- +98 90 46 14 5412 (mobile)
- Mashhad:
- +98 910 762 5302
- +98 937 180 7175
Escalating Unrest
Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout on Friday as authorities moved to suppress the largest wave of anti-government protests in more than a decade, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisting the Islamic Republic "will not back down".
Crowds chanting slogans including "death to the dictator" and setting fire to official buildings marched through major cities late Thursday.
The protests began on December 28 with a shopkeepers' strike in Tehran's Grand Bazaar over Iran's collapsing economy. Iran's economy saw sharp rates of inflation, devalued currency, and an energy deficit, culminating in repeated electricity and gas disruptions. The Iranian rial has depreciated sharply, with the dollar reaching approximately 145,000 tomans.
Iran's state statistics centre reported an inflation rate of 42.2% in December 2025, an increase of 1.8% compared to November.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. was "locked and loaded and ready," warning that if Iran "violently kills protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also backed the protesters, telling ministers, "It is quite possible that we are at a moment when the Iranian people are taking their fate into their own hands".
The rhetoric comes seven months after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, during which US forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
Iranian authorities have characterised the protests as foreign-orchestrated disorder. Khamenei labelled demonstrators "vandals" and "saboteurs", accusing the United States of inciting unrest.
Read: Iran digs in as protests escalate nationwide
Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that punishment of "rioters" would be "decisive, the maximum and without any legal leniency".
Iran's Supreme National Security Council has accused Israel of backing the protests, claiming that the unrest that began with economic demands had, under Israeli guidance, turned into an attempt to create disorder in the country.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said authorities imposed a total connectivity blackout, with the country offline for extended periods.
General Amir Hatami, commander of the Iranian army, warned that Tehran would respond robustly to external threats, stating: "If the enemy makes a mistake, Iran's response will be more robust than during last June's 12-day war with Israel".