Pakistanis return via Balochistan borders
Amid rising tensions in Iran following recent US and Israeli strikes, Pakistani students, pilgrims, tourists, traders, and other citizens are safely returning home through the Taftan and Gwadar border crossings in Balochistan.
The repatriation effort aims to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals caught in the unstable situation across the border.
Deputy Commissioner Chagai reported that 19 students crossed the Taftan border overnight from Zahedan, Iran. All are enrolled at Zahedan Medical University, with 12 hailing from Punjab and seven from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. After undergoing essential medical and administrative checks at the border, arrangements are being made to transport them to their home provinces.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Naqeebullah Kakar told The Express Tribune that a total of 51 Pakistani citizens have returned via the Gabd-Rimdan border point near Gwadar. This group includes five students, along with pilgrims, tourists, and traders who faced difficulties due to the uncertain conditions in Iran.
Director FIA Balochistan Muhammad Bahram Khan confirmed that immigration facilities are operating 24/7 at the borders to facilitate smooth returns without delays. Returning citizens are being provided with food, accommodation, and travel assistance, and efforts are underway to send them promptly to their respective provinces and cities.
The ongoing repatriation follows the outbreak of conflict in Iran triggered by US and Israeli military actions, which have severely disrupted regional stability and prompted widespread concern.
Pakistani authorities have appealed to remaining nationals in Iran, especially students and pilgrims, to return as soon as possible using available routes. Officials emphasized that border movements at Taftan and Gwadar remain open, with more arrivals expected in the coming days.
The government of Pakistan is taking all necessary measures to secure the safe return of its citizens stranded in Iran.
It may be mentioned here that amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel, and heightened regional security risks including recent strikes and maritime warnings in the Gulf, the district administration of Gwadar has issued a stern public advisory calling on residents to exercise extreme caution and steer clear of unnecessary risks.
In an official statement released on Saturday, the administration emphasized the fragile security environment stemming from the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. It explicitly warned citizens against any travel to Iran, particularly urging people in Gwadar and surrounding areas, including Jiwani, Kuntani port, and the local fishing communities, to completely avoid entering Iranian territorial waters for fishing or any other activities.