ISLAMABAD, Mar 10: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Tuesday informed the National Assembly that the government had taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and evacuation of Pakistani nationals, particularly students, from Iran amid the escalating military tensions in the region.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Natasha Daultana, Shazia Marri, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar, and Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, the minister said the situation in the region had become alarming following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, which had created serious security concerns.
He said the developments had also heightened tensions across the Gulf region, making the safety of Pakistani nationals in Iran a top priority for the government.
The minister said the government prepared a comprehensive evacuation plan to facilitate Pakistani students studying in various universities across Iran.
“Our embassy and two consulates in Iran are actively working and maintaining contact with students through multiple channels,” he told the House.
According to the minister, more than 2,000 Pakistani students have been evacuated or facilitated to return from Iran so far, while many others have already safely crossed into Pakistan.
He said crisis management units had been established by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Tehran and other cities, ensuring constant coordination with students through WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, and university administrations.
The evacuation process was carried out mainly through three border crossings, including the Taftan border, the Rimdan border, and another route through Azerbaijan, he added.
Chaudhry said Pakistani missions had been providing round-the-clock assistance (24/7) to citizens and students, ensuring transportation arrangements and safe passage to border points.
He said the embassy in Tehran had also been temporarily relocated about 150 kilometres outside the city due to security concerns, as the previous location was near sensitive installations and had previously come under threat.
Responding to a question by MNA Muhammad Shaharyar, the minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic missions had already been monitoring the situation in Iran over the past few months, particularly during protests triggered by economic conditions in various cities.
“Our embassy staff and consulates had been in contact with the Pakistani community and students through social media platforms and communication groups even before the situation escalated,” he said.
He added that due to these established communication channels, the government was able to quickly reach out to Pakistani nationals and initiate evacuation arrangements when tensions intensified.
Responding to Shazia Marri’s question, the minister acknowledged that the situation in Iran, particularly in Tehran and surrounding areas, had become tense due to recent developments.
However, he assured the House that Pakistan’s diplomatic missions were working around the clock to provide consular support, emergency assistance and guidance to all Pakistani nationals in Iran.
He said the embassy was receiving more than 500 calls daily from citizens seeking information and assistance, and all efforts were being made to facilitate them.
The minister said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad was also in constant coordination with Pakistan’s missions abroad to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens and provide any additional assistance required.
