Pakistan has decided to withdraw some of its diplomats, non-essential staff, and their families from Tehran in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and the deteriorating regional security situation.
A senior Foreign Ministry official confirmed the move, stating that while the Pakistani Embassy and Consulate in Tehran will remain operational, non-essential personnel have been instructed to return home with their families. The government has arranged for their safe repatriation.
Read More : Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Israel After Deadly Attack
Repatriation Efforts for Stranded Pakistanis
Meanwhile, Pakistan has been actively repatriating its citizens stranded in Iran due to the conflict. On Tuesday, 78 Pakistanis, including 47 students, crossed into Pakistan via the Taftan border, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,200. Most of them were pilgrims caught in the crisis.
According to reports, 987 pilgrims and students have been brought back over the past two days via 37 buses, with more expected to return soon.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Iraqi Airways, facilitated the return of 268 Pakistani nationals from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad on two special flights earlier this week.
Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
Tensions in the region surged after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, conducting airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The attack reportedly killed dozens, including high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Israeli officials warned of further escalation in the coming days.
In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile strikes against Israeli targets over the weekend, hitting both military installations and civilian infrastructure. According to reports, at least 24 Israelis have been killed, while Iran claims 224 of its citizens have died in the Israeli strikes, with over 1,000 injured.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue targeting Iranian assets, while Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a “more severe response” if attacks persist.
The conflict has heightened fears of a wider regional war, prompting several nations, including Pakistan, to take precautionary measures for the safety of their citizens and diplomatic staff.
