Nearly 3,000 Pakistanis Evacuated from Iran Amid Rising Tensions, Confirms Foreign Office
Pakistan has successfully repatriated nearly 3,000 citizens from Iran as part of an ongoing evacuation effort, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday. The operation comes in response to heightened regional tensions, particularly following the escalation between Israel and Iran.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, addressing a weekly media briefing, stated that the Pakistani embassy in Tehran is actively coordinating the evacuation process and remains in close contact with Iranian authorities. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of Pakistani nationals. The evacuation is proceeding in an organized and timely manner,” he said.
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Khan strongly condemned what he described as Israeli aggression against Iran, labeling the attack a violation of both the UN Charter and international law. “This is a direct assault on Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said, noting that 21 Muslim countries have issued a joint declaration denouncing the Israeli actions.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that Iran, as a sovereign nation, has every right to defend itself. “Iran is not just a neighbour but a strategic partner and close friend of Pakistan. We are in continuous diplomatic contact with Tehran,” he added.
The spokesperson also addressed recent developments on the international stage, revealing that Pakistan and the European Union recently held discussions on nuclear non-proliferation. He further confirmed Iran’s ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), dismissing speculation about regime change in Iran as “baseless rumours.”
On regional concerns, Khan highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing advocacy for the rights of Kashmiris, condemning the Indian authorities’ decision to prevent Eid prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Mosque and Eidgah. He described the denial as a violation of religious freedom and criticized the continued detention of political leaders in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Responding to recent Canadian intelligence claims, Khan dismissed the statements as “unsurprising and irresponsible,” asserting that Pakistan has consistently been a victim—not a source—of terrorism. He emphasized that Pakistan’s counterterrorism track record is well-documented and internationally recognized.
Khan also reaffirmed Islamabad’s longstanding relations with the United States, welcoming recent U.S. statements in support of maintaining a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
As regional instability continues to grow, Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue over confrontation. “Negotiation remains the only path forward,” Khan concluded.
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