Pakistan Facilitates Return of Nationals Stranded in Iran and Gulf Countries

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, announced that the government is taking comprehensive steps to assist Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran and other Gulf countries. The announcement came during a briefing to the media in Islamabad regarding the prevailing situation in the Middle East and the challenges faced by Pakistani nationals in the region.

Facilitation Measures and Support Centers

According to Dar, special facilitation desks have been established to aid returning Pakistani nationals. The Crisis Management Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating 24/7 and contact numbers are available on the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle @ForeignOfficePk.

Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulates in Jeddah and Dubai are actively involved in assisting Pakistani citizens. In Iran, three facilitation centers have been set up in Tehran, Zahedan, and Mashhad to provide guidance and support.

Diplomatic Efforts and International Cooperation

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Pakistan is in contact with foreign ministers and senior officials of various countries to ensure maximum assistance to stranded Pakistanis. He expressed gratitude to Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, and Azerbaijan for their cooperation and support to the Pakistani diaspora.

Current Status of Repatriation and Regional Challenges

As of today, March 3, 2026, seven hundred ninety-two Pakistanis have returned from Iran. Approximately thirty-three thousand Pakistani nationals are currently residing in Iran. Dar noted that citizens from multiple countries are affected, with airspace closures – except for Oman and Saudi Arabia – hindering evacuation efforts. Land routes, while slower, are being utilized by several nations for repatriation.

Assistance is similarly being provided to Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq, where airspace is also closed.

Recent Updates

On March 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed resident heads of diplomatic missions in Islamabad on the situation. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed a Joint Session of Parliament on Pakistan’s reaction to attacks against Iran as reported on Instagram.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar currently serves as the 6th Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and the 38th Minister for Foreign Affairs according to Wikipedia.