Over 700 citizen repatriated from Iran amid Iran-Israel conflict

TAFTAN: Over 700 Pakistani citizens arrived in Pakistan by bus through the Taftan border as the Iran-Israel conflict continues, according to immigration officials.

Citizens, traders, and drivers were among the passengers repatriated from Iran, as per the officials, and proper security arrangements were in place due to the Iran-Israel conflict.

Officials reported that three buses carrying 154 Pakistani students landed in Taftan from Tehran. They further stated that the students will be relocated to Pakistan House after their immigration process is complete. This puts the total number of students crossing the border today at 214.

The repatriation process began on Friday, when the Israel-Iran military conflict broke out.

Moreover, Pakistan has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani citizens earlier Monday through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad. Both flights safely reached Pakistan.

“The Ministry remains actively engaged with Iraqi Airways and all other relevant Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani zaireen in Iraq,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

“All zaireen are further advised to remain prepared for travel at short notice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to facilitating the safe and orderly return of all Pakistani zaireen,” it was added.

All Pakistani zaireen in Iraq were instructed to stay in regular communication with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, authorized mandobs, and their respective airlines to get timely information on their flight plans.

Closure of the border:

Pakistan has closed all its border crossings with neighbouring Iran for an indefinite period, provincial officials said on Monday, as Israel and Iran trade intense strikes and threaten further attacks.

“Border facilities in all five districts — Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar — have been suspended,” Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan province, which borders Iran, told AFP.