Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of Pakistani pilgrims from Iran, emphasizing the use of all available resources for their repatriation.
Following the Prime Minister’s directive, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the establishment of a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The unit aims to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and Zaireens currently in Iran.
Dar further stated that the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran has been instructed to provide full facilitation to the Pakistani community.
The embassy’s hotline number for assistance is: +98 21 6694 1388.
Around 5,000 Pakistani Zaireens Currently in Iran: FO
Approximately 5,000 Pakistani Zaireens are currently present in Iran, according to sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The number of pilgrims traveling to Iran fluctuates frequently, the sources added.
Most Zaireans do not maintain contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions during their stay in Iran, which poses challenges in times of crisis, the sources said.
In light of the current situation, the Foreign Office has advised Pakistani citizens to reconsider travel to Iran and Iraq. The Pakistani Embassy in Tehran and Consulates are available and fully operational to assist any nationals in need of support.
