ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has disclosed the number of Pakistani nationals affected by the current security situation in Iran and across the Middle East, as authorities intensify efforts to ensure their safe evacuation.
Speaking on the evolving situation, Dar said Pakistan had immediately established contact with Iran, countries in the region and global leadership following the escalation. He noted that diplomatic engagement was aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging a negotiated resolution.
The foreign minister confirmed that emergency measures have been initiated to facilitate the safe evacuation of around 35,000 Pakistanis.
Dar said the closure of airspace in Iran and several Gulf states has left many people stranded in different countries. He added that more than 33,000 Pakistanis are currently residing in Iran. While land routes remain open, travel times are lengthy and the overall situation remains concerning.
Pakistan stands firmly with Iran, says Ishaq Dar
The minister stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Management Cell is operating round the clock, with contact numbers shared on the social media platform X. Emergency centres are also functioning in Tehran, Zahedan and Mashhad, while Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulates in Dubai and Jeddah have been activated.
Dar further revealed that Pakistan had been prepared to facilitate mediation between Iran and the United States in Islamabad. He also confirmed that a Pakistani citizen was killed in Abu Dhabi during Iranian missile attacks.
Providing updated figures, the foreign minister said 64 Pakistanis have so far been moved to Azerbaijan, while 300 Iranian citizens have reached Pakistan. A total of 792 Pakistanis have already returned from Iran.
He added that approximately 40,000 Pakistanis are present in Iraq, around 350,000 in Qatar including 1,450 on visit visas, and about 102,000 Pakistanis are working in Kuwait.
Dar reiterated that commercial flights remain suspended, although border crossings including Taftan are open. He said assistance helplines are operational 24 hours a day, and visa facilities are being extended to Pakistanis at the Azerbaijan border.