PM Shehbaz orders all out assistance to Pakistani pilgrims in Iran

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to provide all possible assistance to Pakistani pilgrims in Iran for their safe return. 

Crisis Management Cell established in Foreign Office on Prime Minister's directives, instructions given to Pakistani Embassy in Iran. 

Prime Minister directed that steps should be taken for the safety of all pilgrims and all possible resources should be utilized for the safe return of pilgrims. 

Prime Minister said Foreign Office and the Pakistani Embassy in Iran remain on alert until the situation in the region returns to normal. 

Earlier, The government on Friday advised the Pakistani Zaireen to reconsider their plans to travel to Iran and Iraq, keeping in view the situation, emerged after Israel’s attack on Iran.

“In view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry activated a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit to ensure safety and security of Pakistani nationals and Zaireen in Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a PM Office statement, also instructed the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran to provide all possible assistance to Zaireen and other community members. He directed the foreign ministry and embassy in Iran to remain on high alert until the regional situation stabilizes. 

Around 45,000 Pakistanis are reportedly living in Iran and most of them are illegal. There are three remote entry and exit points on the 909-km-long Pakistan-Iran border. Taftan, Gabd and Mand. Pakistani embassy has advised citizens to stay in safe places. Land and air routes closed due to Israeli attacks. A large number of Pakistanis in Iran are pilgrims.

Pakistani pilgrims visit the holy sites of Mashhad, Qom and Tehran. Pakistani students, workers, traders and professionals also reside in Iran.