618 Pakistanis Repatriated from Iran, Iraq After Israel Strikes

Pakistan repatriated 618 citizens from Iran and Iraq on Monday as regional tensions intensified following Israel’s recent air strikes on Iran, the Foreign Office confirmed.

The move follows Sunday’s evacuation of 450 Pakistani zaireen (pilgrims) from Iran, with more nationals expected to return in the coming days. The government has made special arrangements to ensure the safe return of Pakistani students as well, with the first batch of 154 already evacuated from Iran.

The repatriation efforts come in response to Israel’s air offensive launched on Friday, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and killed several commanders and scientists. Israel claims the strikes aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an allegation Iran denies, insisting its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes.

Authorities in Balochistan confirmed the safe return of those evacuated and assured continued coordination for the repatriation of remaining citizens in the region.