Latest news with #Zaireen
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistanis advised to reconsider Iran visit
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has advised Pakistanis to reconsider their visit to Iran with estimated 5,000 Zaireen stuck in the Iran in wake of brutal Israeli strikes on several Iranian cities. With respect to queries about Pakistani Zaireen, a senior official at MoFA said that currently, 45,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis are residing in different cities of Iran. The number of Zaireen travelling to Iran fluctuates, and most do not contact our diplomatic missions. In light of the current security situation in the region, we have advised Zaireen to reconsider travel plans to Iran and Iraq, said the source. Our Embassy in Tehran and consulates remain available to assist and facilitate Pakistani nationals in Iran, said a senior MoFA official. The official statistics show that an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis are reportedly staying in the country without legal documentation. Sources indicate that Pakistan and Iran share a 909-kilometre-long border, which includes three remote entry and exit points located at Taftan, Gabd, and Mand. In response, the Pakistani Embassy in Iran has issued advisories, urging citizens to remain in safe locations and avoid unnecessary travel. A large portion of the Pakistani population in Iran consists of religious pilgrims, who frequently visit holy sites in Mashhad, Qom, and Tehran. In addition to pilgrims, the Pakistani community also includes students, labourers, traders, and professionals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan condemns aggression by Israel
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned 'unjustified and illegitimate aggression' by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. '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,' Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement. Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the spokesperson remarked. Israel on Friday launched deadly strikes on Iran's military, nuclear targets, missile factories, killing armed forces commanders and top scientists. Tehran said Israel's brutal strikes on its military and nukes facilities were a 'declaration of war' and called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to act against Israel. The Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the people of Iran and unequivocally denounces these blatant provocations, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications. 'The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions,' Ambassador Shafqat added. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in a statement also strongly condemned unjustified Israeli attacks on Islamic Republic of Iran which is a brazen violation of Iran's sovereignty. 'This abhorrent action has shaken foundations of international law as well as conscience of humanity; and gravely undermines regional stability and international security,' he said. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the government and the people of Iran, Dar added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that in view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq. 'In order to ensure safety and security of our nationals/Zaireens in Iran, we have activated a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs,' Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said. He added Pakistan Embassy in Tehran has also been directed to provide all facilitation to community members/Zaireens. The embassy's hotline number is: (0098)-2166941388. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM orders safe return of zaireen from Iran
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday instructed all concerned authorities to extend full support to ensure the safety and secure return of Pakistani pilgrims currently in Iran in the wake of Israel's deadly strikes. In light of PM Shehbaz's 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 provide active assistance to the pilgrims. The PM 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. Earlier, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared the embassy's hotline number: (0098)-2166941388. The Foreign Office (FO) 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. Following the PM's directives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated its Crisis Management Unit to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and pilgrims in Iran. "In order to ensure safety & security of our nationals/Zaireens in Iran, we have activated a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said Dar on X.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
FO advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq
Listen to article Amid escalating regional tensions following Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, Pakistan on Friday advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and Iraq, particularly for religious pilgrimage. 'In view of the evolving security situation in the region, pilgrims from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq,' the Foreign Office said in a statement. In view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 13, 2025 The advisory comes in the wake of Israeli attacks on Iranian territory early Friday, which targeted high-value military and nuclear sites. The attacks resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Read more: Israel escalates attacks on Iran as Tehran vows retaliation Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed all relevant government departments to extend full support to Pakistani citizens and pilgrims currently in Iran. He called for coordinated efforts to ensure their safety and facilitate their secure return to Pakistan. In order to ensure safety & security of our nationals / Zaireens in Iran, we have activated a 24/7 Crisis Managament Unit (CMU) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan Embassy in Tehran has also been directed to provide all facilitation to community members/Zaireens. The… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 13, 2025 To respond to the emerging situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a Crisis Management Cell to provide emergency assistance to Pakistani nationals abroad. The Pakistan Embassy in Tehran has also been instructed to remain in close contact with community members and Zaireen (pilgrims), and to offer all necessary facilitation. The Embassy has issued a dedicated emergency hotline: (+98) 2166941388. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and has assured that further steps will be taken, if necessary, to safeguard the interests of its citizens abroad.
Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan urges religious devotees to postpone travel to Iran, Iraq amid regional tensions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday advised its citizens planning religious travel to Iran and Iraq to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns after Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities earlier in the day. The advisory mentions Pakistani 'Zaireen,' or Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims who travel to Iran and Iraq to visit sacred religious sites, particularly in Mashhad, Qom, Najaf and Karbala. The region has seen heightened tensions following Israeli attacks on key installations in Iran, prompting fears of broader instability. 'In view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq,' the foreign office said in a brief statement issued in Islamabad. According to a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the number of Zaireen traveling to Iran fluctuates, and most do not contact the Pakistani diplomatic missions. 'Currently, there are an estimated 5,000 Zaireen in Iran,' he said, adding that Pakistan's embassy in Tehran and its consulates remain available to assist citizens. 'Any Pakistani requiring guidance or support is encouraged to contact our relevant diplomatic missions, which will, as always, provide necessary assistance and facilitate their return to Pakistan,' the official added. While no evacuation plans have been announced, the authorities say they are closely monitoring the regional situation.
