ISLAMABAD: Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the Pakistani government has confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims have been safely evacuated from Iran, with more evacuations planned from both Iran and Iraq.
Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran, targeting senior commanders, scientists, and nuclear sites. The attack was reportedly aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran has repeatedly denied, saying its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar shared on Sunday that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of Pakistani nationals in the region.
In a post on social media platform X (Twitter), Dar said, “450 Pakistani pilgrims were evacuated from Iran yesterday. Arrangements have also been made to safely evacuate Pakistani students, with the first group of 154 students already evacuated.”
He added that Pakistan’s Embassy in Iraq is in touch with pilgrims stranded there due to the closure of airspace. “Steps are being taken to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and for their possible evacuation,” he said.
Dar also shared that the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working around the clock and can be contacted at +92 51-9207887 or via email at cmu1@mofa.gov.pk.
“Our embassies in the region are fully engaged in helping Pakistani citizens and pilgrims,” he stated.
In light of the evolving regional situation, the Government of Pakistan is taking necessary measures for the welfare and safety of Pakistani nationals:
– Evacuation of 450 Pakistani
Zaireen from Iran has been facilitated as of yesterday.– Arrangements are being made for the…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 15, 2025
Following the airstrikes by Israel, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed all concerned departments to extend full support for the safe return of Pakistani pilgrims in Iran.
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Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has advised Pakistani pilgrims to avoid travelling to Iran and Iraq due to the worsening security situation.
The Foreign Office also mentioned that Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudasir Tipu, is currently in Pakistan for official meetings. However, the embassy in Tehran is actively working under the guidance of the Foreign Minister and the Foreign Office to assist Pakistanis in Iran.
Dar, Turkish FM Discuss Regional Situation
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Both expressed serious concern over the worsening situation in the region following Israel’s attacks on Iran.
Dar also confirmed his attendance at the upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) event, both scheduled next week in Istanbul.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said Dar would represent Pakistan at the OIC CFM meeting on June 21–22 in Istanbul. He also congratulated President Erdogan on being honoured by the ICYF.
Meanwhile, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that an Israeli airstrike had hit the Defence Ministry’s headquarters in Tehran, causing minor damage to one of its buildings.
“In an air attack on Tehran this evening by the Zionist regime’s air force, the Defence Ministry headquarters was targeted. One of the buildings suffered light damage,” the agency stated.
