PIA directed to ensure 'smooth evacuation'
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday instructed the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a smooth and efficient execution of the plans for the return of Pakistanis stranded because of the tense situation in the Middle East.
Dar chaired a meeting to review the ongoing evacuation of Pakistani nationals, at present, stranded in Iran and Iraq.
The meeting was attended by the foreign secretary and other senior officials, a statement from his office noted.
Dar was briefed on the progress made so far and evacuation plans for the coming days. Expressing satisfaction at the efforts made, he directed that the Foreign Office would expedite the repatriation plan in coordination with other departments, and provide all assistance to those who are still stranded there.
PIA's special operation
In light of the deteriorating situation in Iran, the government has directed PIA to initiate evacuation efforts. Due to the closure of Iranian airspace, stranded Pakistanis travelled by land to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, where PIA's special flight PK-9552 was arranged to bring them home.
The first special flight, carrying 107 passengers, landed in Islamabad from Ashgabat. The flight, carrying men, women, elderly citizens, and children, safely arrived in Islamabad at 3am. Pakistani embassies in Iran and Turkmenistan played a crucial role in facilitating the entire process.
A PIA spokesperson stated that the national carrier operated the flight on the instructions of the government. "Serving the nation in times of crisis is a continuation of our decades-old tradition," the spokesperson added.
Taftan border
Simultaneously, Pakistan has intensified efforts to repatriate its citizens from Iran via the Taftan border crossing, in response to escalating regional instability. Over 1,450 Pakistani nationals have so far returned safely, with more than 500 individuals arriving at the border on Tuesday alone.
According to the Levies officials, the returnees included pilgrims, businesspeople, labourers, students, and those had been residing in various parts of Iran. Of them, 250 individuals were immediately transported to their hometowns in specially arranged vehicles.
Authorities have deployed dedicated teams at the Taftan border to provide essential services, including temporary shelter, clean drinking water, medical care, and immigration assistance, ensuring a coordinated and humane repatriation process.
Rakhshan Division Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat visited the crossing point to review arrangements and interact with the returning citizens. He assured them that the administration was "making all-out efforts to resolve their issues and provide every possible assistance".
The operation is being conducted under the supervision of the federal government and relevant disaster management agencies, which continue to monitor the situation closely in accordance with national emergency protocols.
The large-scale evacuation comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, highlighting the urgency of the effort and the government's commitment to safeguarding Pakistani nationals abroad.
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