Islamabad/Tehran, June 17, 2025 — As the Israel-Iran conflict deepens, Pakistan has taken precautionary measures by recalling some of its diplomats, non-essential staff, and their families from Tehran. The decision comes amid growing regional instability following Israel’s massive air offensive against Iran, which began on June 13 under “Operation Rising Lion.”
A senior official from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed the move, stating that while non-essential personnel have been directed to return home, the Pakistani Embassy and Consulate in Tehran will remain operational. “Arrangements have been made for the safe return of staff and their families,” the official said.
The recall coincides with an ongoing repatriation operation aimed at bringing home Pakistani nationals, including pilgrims, students, and traders, stranded in Iran and Iraq due to the escalating hostilities.
1,200 Pakistanis Repatriated from Iran via Taftan
In the latest development, 78 Pakistani citizens, including 47 students, returned through the Taftan border on Tuesday, raising the total number of repatriated individuals from Iran to 1,200. According to Express News, these returnees were part of a broader effort to evacuate Pakistanis trapped amid the regional crisis.
Over the past 48 hours alone, 987 pilgrims and students have returned to Pakistan via 37 buses. Levies sources confirmed that those repatriated include not only zaireen (pilgrims) but also students and traders. The process is being managed at Pakistan House, where essential facilities are being provided for the returnees.
Local authorities in Taftan assured that the repatriation efforts are continuing smoothly, with arrangements in place to accommodate further waves of returnees in the coming days.
Flights from Iraq Bring Home More Pakistanis
Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Iraqi Airways, successfully arranged the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals from Basra via two special flights to Karachi and Islamabad. MoFA confirmed both flights arrived safely on Monday.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the return of remaining Pakistani nationals in Iraq. MoFA has advised all zaireen to stay in close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, designated travel coordinators, and their airlines for timely updates. Iraqi Airways is currently operating daily flights between Basra and Dubai, offering another travel route for those still abroad.
The ministry urged all Pakistani nationals to remain prepared for travel on short notice and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safe and timely repatriation of every citizen stranded due to the crisis.
Regional Crisis Continues to Escalate
The conflict began when Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming to target high-value assets and leadership figures. Dozens of Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists have been reported killed, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warning that further escalation would provoke a more forceful response.
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities and infrastructure. Israeli officials have reported 24 fatalities and hundreds injured from Iranian strikes. Iran claims at least 224 of its citizens, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israeli air raids, with over 1,000 others injured.
As tensions continue to rise, Pakistan’s proactive repatriation efforts reflect its deep concern for the safety of its citizens abroad and the volatility of the regional security landscape. The Foreign Office affirmed it would continue to monitor the situation closely and respond as needed to protect Pakistani interests.
