Ishaq Dar Reveals Thousands of Pakistanis Still Stuck in Middle East

ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that tens of thousands of Pakistani nationals remain stranded in Iran and across the Middle East due to heightened security concerns. In response, Pakistan has initiated emergency measures aimed at facilitating their safe evacuation.

Dar highlighted that diplomatic efforts are underway to address tensions, advocating for a negotiated resolution between conflicting parties. He revealed that around 35,000 Pakistanis have been impacted by the current situation in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.

The closure of airspace in Iran and several Gulf states has left many people stranded across different nations. More than 33,000 Pakistani citizens are currently residing in Iran. While land routes remain open, travel times are lengthy, raising significant concerns for their welfare.

Pakistan stands firmly with its ally, Iran. Dar noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Management Cell operates round-the-clock, and contact numbers are available on social media platform X. Emergency centers have been established in Tehran, Zahedan, and Mashhad, while Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi has been activated for assistance.

The minister revealed that a Pakistani citizen was killed during Iranian missile attacks in Abu Dhabi. He also shared updated figures, stating that 64 Pakistanis have moved to Azerbaijan, with 300 Iranian citizens returning to Pakistan. A total of 792 Pakistanis have already returned from Iran.

Dar reported that approximately 40,000 Pakistanis are present in Iraq, including around 350,000 residing in Qatar (with about 1,450 on visit visas), and about 102,000 working in Kuwait. Despite the closure of commercial flights, border crossings such as Taftan remain open for those requiring entry.

Dar emphasized that assistance helplines are operational around the clock and visa facilities have been extended at the Azerbaijan border to facilitate travel for Pakistanis under emergency conditions.