Pakistan Rushes to Evacuate Citizens from Iran as Israel–Iran Airstrikes Escalate

Photo:AFP

As Israeli airstrikes targeting military and nuclear facilities expanded across Iran, Pakistan launched a rapid evacuation to secure its nationals caught in escalating regional conflict. With Tehran’s airspace closed and the threat of further attacks imminent, the Pakistani government moved swiftly—buses departed from Iran, carrying students, pilgrims, and diplomatic personnel across the border into Quetta, Balochistan. From there, they will be provided onward transport to their hometowns across Pakistan .

Afghan families and diplomatic staff are also part of the evacuation, with Islamabad coordinating ground transit via Taftan crossing to bypass suspended commercial flights. Officials from both countries confirm the embassies in Tehran and consulates remain operational, even as non-essential diplomatic families are actively withdrawn.

Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat of Quetta emphasised the logistical challenges overcome during the operation: “Our primary concern has been safety … we coordinated closely with border officials to facilitate their smooth crossing,” he said, praising the cooperation of Iran and Pakistan on the ground.

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Evacuations began Sunday, with Pakistan returning around 450 individuals in the first wave and an additional 268 repatriated from neighbouring Iraq via flights. The evacuees consist predominantly of religious pilgrims and international students who had been visiting religious sites or studying in Iran.

This decision by Islamabad comes amid heightened regional tension sparked when Israel launched strikes on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear sites and senior military figures—an operation codenamed “Rising Lion.” These strikes triggered Iranian counterattacks, prompting the closure of air routes over the Gulf region.

The international community has witnessed similar evacuation efforts. Countries like Italy, Poland, Russia, and China have used land borders such as Azerbaijan and Turkey to evacuate nationals from Iran, while the U.K. and France issued travel advisories and support channels for their citizens.

Pakistan officially condemned Israel’s pre-emptive strikes, describing them as a breach of Iranian sovereignty, and urged global actors to push for de-escalation. The foreign ministry has stated it remains ready to evacuate more citizens if hostilities intensify further.

For evacuees, the Talhan–Quetta journey represents a tense escape from a volatile environment. Former pilgrim Shazia Abbas, speaking in Quetta, said, “We felt the panic in Tehran—sirens, chaos. The buses brought relief.” This evacuation highlights the growing humanitarian imperative as geopolitical tensions clone into civilian lives .

In Islamabad, efforts are underway to liaise with Iranian authorities on safe transit corridors, ensuring further evacuation operations are possible. Pakistan’s swift mobilization reflects a wider global scramble to safeguard foreign nationals amid swift shifting dynamics in Middle East security.