A total of 78 Pakistanis, including 47 students, returned to Pakistan today through the Taftan border, raising the total number of repatriated citizens to 1,200.
The Pakistani nationals, comprising mostly pilgrims, were stranded in Iran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
According to Express News, during the last two days, 987 pilgrims and students have been safely brought back. The returnees have travelled on 37 buses, with many more expected to return soon.
Levies sources confirmed that the returnees include traders, students, and pilgrims. The ongoing repatriation is being managed at Pakistan House, where all necessary facilities have been provided to those arriving from Iran.
Taftan administration assured that the process is continuing smoothly and that further returnees will be accommodated in the coming days.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in close coordination with Iraqi Airways, successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals earlier on Monday through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad. Both flights have safely arrived in Pakistan.
The ministry remains actively engaged with Iraqi Airways and other relevant Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani zaireen in Iraq, MoFA said in a statement.
All Pakistani zaireen currently in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, designated mandoobs, and their respective airlines for timely updates on their travel arrangements, the statement added.
Iraqi Airways is presently operating daily flights on the Basra to Dubai route. On Monday, some Pakistani nationals availed themselves of this option.
Those interested in travelling via this route are encouraged to contact the nearest Iraqi Airways office for booking and assistance, MoFA said.
All zaireen are further advised to remain prepared for travel at short notice.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to facilitating the safe and orderly return of all Pakistani zaireen, the statement read.
