Latest news with #PakistaniZaireen
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
450 pilgrims return from Iran
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said hundreds of Zaireen evacuated from Iran and Iraq so far. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims have been successfully evacuated from Iran, stating that the government was taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals in the region. In a statement released on X on Sunday, Dar said the evacuation of 450 Pakistani pilgrims from Iran was completed on Saturday. He added that arrangements are also being made for the safe evacuation of the first batch of 154 Pakistani students stranded in Iran. The foreign minister further stated that efforts are underway to evacuate and ensure the safe accommodation of Pakistanis stranded in Iraq. "Our embassy in Iraq is in contact with Pakistani Zaireen who are stranded due to the closure of airspace. Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation," said Dar. A 24-hour Crisis Management Unit (CMU) is active at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist Pakistani nationals. The CMU can be reached at +92 51-9207887 or via email at cmu1@ "Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals and Zaireen," he added. In the early hours of Friday, Israel launched an attack on Iran, targeting the country's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military personnel. The assault marked the beginning of what Israel described as a prolonged military engagement, carried out under the pretext of preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Seventy-eight people, including six nuclear scientists and senior generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were killed in the attack. The semi-official Tasnim news agency identified the scientists as Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyyed Amirhossein Faqhi, Motablizadeh, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi. Iranian ballistic missile attacks killed three people and injured at least 91 across central Israel, in response to Israeli airstrikes targeting key nuclear and military sites inside Iran. In the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan, nine buildings were destroyed and hundreds of apartments were damaged, Haaretz reported. Approximately 400 residents were evacuated from the Greater Tel Aviv area due to structural damage. Visuals showed widespread devastation, including vehicles set ablaze and residential blocks flattened.
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan has evacuated 450 pilgrims from Iran so far: Dar
ISLAMABAD: In response to the deteriorating security situation in the region, Pakistan has evacuated 450 pilgrims from Iran and is working to assist others still stranded, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dar said that the evacuation of Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) was carried out on Saturday, and efforts are currently underway to arrange the safe return of 154 Pakistani students who remain in Iran. He added that the Pakistani Embassy in Iraq is actively engaged with pilgrims stranded there due to the closure of airspace. 'Measures are being taken to ensure their safety and arrange possible evacuation,' Dar assured. The Foreign minister also stated that the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully operational and available 24/7 to assist Pakistani nationals in distress. Citizens can contact the CMU via phone at +92 51-9207887 or by email at [email protected]. 'Our embassies in the region are closely coordinating all necessary efforts to support Pakistani nationals and Zaireen,' he said. Amid rising tensions following Israeli air strikes, the government has issued a temporary travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid travel to Iran and Iraq. The Foreign Office advised all Pakistani pilgrims to reconsider their travel plans to both countries due to the evolving security environment. Officials emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to the protection and well-being of its citizens. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed all relevant departments to provide full assistance for the safe return of Pakistani pilgrims currently in Iran. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Gulf Today
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
450 Pakistani devotees safely evacuated from Iran, confirms foreign minister
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that 450 Pakistani Zaireen (devotees) have been successfully evacuated from Iran, stating that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals in the region. In his message on X, formerly Twitter, he said that steps were also being taken for the safe evacuation of Pakistani students from the country. "As many as 154 students will be evacuated in the first phase,' he informed. The foreign minister further stated that efforts are underway to evacuate and ensure the safe accommodation of Pakistanis stranded in Iraq. 'Our embassy in Iraq is in contact with Pakistani Zaireen who are stranded due to the closure of airspace. Measures are underway to ensure their safe stay in Iraq and possible evacuation,' said Dar. "We are making efforts for their safe accommodation as well as likely evacuation,' the deputy PM said, and added, "The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) is functional in the Foreign Ministry round the clock.' Earlier, the government of Pakistan has asked its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran for a limited period in light of recent Israeli attacks. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed all relevant authorities to provide every possible assistance for the safe return and protection of Pakistani devotees (Zaireen). In light of this directives, a Crisis Management Cell has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts. The Pakistani embassy in Iran has also been instructed to remain vigilant and actively assist the pilgrims. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has shared the embassy's hotline number: (0098)-2166941388. The prime minister emphasised that immediate and effective measures must be taken to ensure the safety of all Pakistani nationals in Iran. He further instructed that all available resources be utilised to facilitate their safe and prompt return to Pakistan. He directed that until the regional situation normalises, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Iran will remain on high alert, ensuring continued support and communication with the pilgrims. The Foreign Office also advised all Zaireen from Pakistan to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq in view of the evolving security situation in the region. Pakistan was among several countries and international actors which condemned Israel's strikes, with the foreign ministry calling it "unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel." "The Israeli military strikes violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and clearly contravene the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter," Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement.
