Amid heightened tensions, Pakistan to withdraw diplomats’ families and non-essential staff from Iran

Amid the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has begun evacuating diplomats’ families and non-essential embassy staff from Iran, a senior Foreign Office official confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the official statement, the relocation of families is a precautionary step, and some non-essential diplomatic personnel are also being recalled.

Despite these measures, the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran and its consulates across Iran will continue their regular operations, the official assured, emphasizing that Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in the country remain fully functional.

The conflict escalated after Israel launched an air campaign, alleging that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. The surprise strikes have reportedly eliminated much of Iran’s top military leadership and leading nuclear scientists.

These attacks have resulted in over 220 casualties within Iran. In retaliation, Iran has launched numerous drone and missile attacks, killing more than 20 people in Israel.

An Israeli military official claimed that Israel now controls Iranian airspace and plans to intensify its military actions in the coming days. Iran has reportedly fired approximately 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones targeting Israel.

Former US President Donald Trump has maintained that the Israeli offensive could end swiftly if Iran agrees to US demands for strict limitations on its nuclear program.

Iran denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons, citing its right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which it has signed.

Israel, which is not a signatory to the NPT, is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it neither confirms nor denies this.

‘Hundreds of Pakistanis Return from Iran’

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s federal government is taking steps to repatriate its citizens, including students, from Iran amid the conflict. Immigration officials reported that nearly 714 Pakistanis have arrived via buses at the Taftan border crossing.

Those returning include citizens, traders, and drivers, with special security arrangements in place due to the Iran-Israel conflict.

Officials noted that three buses carrying 154 Pakistani students arrived from Tehran to Taftan, and after completing immigration formalities, these students will be moved to Pakistan House. Today’s total number of students arriving at the border reached 214.

Two days prior, the Balochistan provincial government closed all border crossings with Iran in Panjgur, Gwadar, and Kech districts indefinitely, citing regional instability and security concerns stemming from the recent Middle East escalation.

The Ministry of Interior has advised Pakistani citizens to avoid traveling to Iran amid ongoing hostilities. Furthermore, airspace between the two countries remains closed.

Despite the closures, the Taftan border crossing in Chagai district remains open.

Authorities have confirmed that cross-border trade and passenger movement through Taftan continue without disruption.