Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a joint military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran, hundreds of Pakistani nationals have begun returning home through border crossings in Balochistan.
According to official sources, at least 556 Pakistani citizens arrived in the country after crossing the Taftan border from Iran. The group included 506 students and 50 pilgrims who had been residing in various Iranian cities for studies and religious visits.
Authorities said the influx of returnees came as concerns grew among foreign nationals following the attack in which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior members of the Iranian leadership were reportedly killed.
Officials added that a total of 940 Pakistani citizens have returned to the country through the Taftan border over the past two days as families rushed to bring their relatives home amid uncertainty in the region.
Upon their arrival, the returnees were received by officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), who facilitated immigration and documentation procedures at the border. Local authorities also made arrangements to assist travellers before they continued their journeys to their hometowns across Pakistan.
Sources further revealed that another group of Pakistani nationals returned through the Gabd–Rimdan border crossing in Balochistan. At least 136 people, including 25 students, crossed into Pakistan through this route.
With these arrivals, the total number of Pakistanis who have returned from Iran through different border points in recent days has increased significantly as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Many of the returning students described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in Iran following the attack. They said the sudden escalation of tensions created anxiety among international students and residents, prompting them to seek immediate ways to return to Pakistan.
Several students expressed gratitude to the Pakistani embassy in Tehran for providing assistance during the evacuation process. According to them, embassy officials helped coordinate travel arrangements and guided Pakistani nationals on safe routes to the border crossings.
Government officials said they are in contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions in the region to facilitate the safe return of citizens who wish to leave Iran amid the evolving security situation.
Authorities have also assured that necessary arrangements will continue to be made at border points to manage the influx of returning nationals and ensure their safe entry into the country.
