Repatriation efforts intensify at Taftan and Gabd borders as thousands of students remain in Iranian cities; FIA sets up 24/7 aid camps.
SHARJAH – Pakistan has ramped up efforts to repatriate its citizens from Iran amid escalating military tensions, successfully evacuating over 650 nationals in the last 48 hours, according to official statements on Tuesday.
The mass return follows continuing US and Israeli strikes that have taken a significant toll in Tehran and other major cities. Pakistani authorities are now working around the clock to process the influx at the Taftan border crossing, the primary gateway for those fleeing the conflict zone.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, confirmed the scale of the operation on social media. “In last two days we have evacuated about 650 of our nationals across Iran most of whom were students,” the envoy stated. He extended gratitude to Iranian and Azerbaijani border authorities for their cooperation in what he described as a “complex and multi-tiered operation.”
The Journey Home
The trek is grueling for returnees; the distance from Tehran to the Taftan border is nearly 1,800 km, a journey that takes three to four days by road. To manage the influx, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established round-the-clock immigration counters. Following directives from Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, authorities have also set up temporary camps providing meals and accommodation to help returnees arrange their onward travel within Pakistan.
Naqeebullah Kakar, Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar, confirmed that over 50 Pakistanis—including students, businessmen, and tourists—have crossed via the Taftan route so far. Meanwhile, the Gabd-Rimdan crossing near Gwadar port city is also seeing steady traffic, with more than a hundred people returning through that corridor. Officials noted that a Croatian national was among those who crossed the border on Tuesday.
Official Advisory
With over 3,000 Pakistani students currently enrolled in colleges across Iran, the evacuation effort remains a high priority. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to ensure the safe return of all nationals.
The Pakistan Foreign Office has reiterated its advisory, urging citizens to avoid all non-mandatory travel to Iran. “Pakistani nationals currently residing in Iran must exercise caution, remain vigilant, minimise non-essential travel, and stay in regular contact with the Pakistani missions,” a spokesperson stated.
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