Pakistan issues travel advisory for Iran; contingency planning to assist Pak nationals
ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad is closely following the situation in Iran and does not want an upheaval in the neighbouring country, as any major instability across the border would have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s security, economy and regional standing.
Islamabad understands that a section of the Iranian population is protesting against inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living but there is also a clear concern within Pakistan’s security and diplomatic circles that Iranian dissidents based abroad are actively trying to amplify the unrest and push it in a particular political direction.
“Pakistan is very cautious. This is Iran’s internal matter. We, nevertheless, are closely following the situation,” a government official said, adding that the Pakistan government has no interest in seeing chaos in neighbouring Iran.
“Any prolonged instability there will spill over into the region, and Pakistan would be among the first countries to feel the impact,” the official said while requesting not to be named given the sensitivity of the issue.
Reflecting these concerns, Pakistan has issued a travel advisory for Iran and activated contingency planning to assist its nationals if the situation deteriorates further. The advisory came amid reports of violence in several Iranian cities, temporary internet shutdowns and heightened security deployments.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, urged the Pakistani nationals to strictly follow immigration and travel requirements. “All Pakistani nationals traveling to Pakistan from Iran must ensure that either they have a valid visa or exit stamp (Kharooj) on their passports,” he said.
“The students may ensure that they have clearance certificates from their universities. Otherwise, Iranian immigration authorities will not allow them to travel till they complete requisite procedures,” the ambassador said in a statement.
He also cautioned that those travelling by road to reach the border points well before closure times and coordinate their onward travel inside Pakistan in advance. “We are always available for any assistance,” the ambassador assured.
The Foreign Office said: “In view of the ongoing situation, the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan has issued a Travel Advisory on Iran. Our nationals are kindly requested to adhere to the Advisory. We will be very grateful for your cooperation & understanding & will do our best to assist you.”
The unrest in Iran has drawn sharp reactions from Washington and Tel Aviv, with both the United States and Israel openly backing calls for political change. US President Donald Trump has gone a step further, threatening military action if Iranian security forces kill protesters.
His remarks were met with a strong response from Tehran, with Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warning that any attack on Iran would trigger strikes against Israel and US military installations in the region.
Despite the heated rhetoric, analysts caution against drawing premature conclusions about regime change. “I have seen four protest movements in Iran in the last three decades and there is no sign yet that the current protests could lead to regime change,” Muhammad Hussain Bakari, an Iran-based international affairs expert, told The Express Tribune.
Bakari said the majority of demonstrators were peaceful citizens expressing genuine economic grievances. “But around 10 to 15% are armed and apparently backed by external players who are attacking state institutions,” he added, arguing that this factor has complicated the situation and hardened the state’s response.
For Pakistan, the stakes are high. Any prolonged instability in Iran could disrupt cross-border trade, fuel smuggling networks, complicate border management in Balochistan and add to refugee pressures, according to analysts.
A wider regional escalation involving the US or Israel could also place Pakistan in a difficult diplomatic position, given its ties with Iran, Gulf countries and China. Officials say Islamabad’s priority remains stability next door. “Pakistan has no desire to see Iran weakened or fractured,” a diplomat said. “The lesson from the region is clear: chaos does not stay confined within borders.”
As tensions continue to simmer, Pakistan is walking a careful line, urging its citizens to stay safe, avoiding public posturing, and quietly hoping that Iran’s internal crisis does not spiral into a regional conflagration.
