Pakistan to Evacuate Diplomats’ Families from Iran Amidst Tensions

ISLAMABAD: As regional tensions escalate in the aftermath of the Iran-Israel conflict, Pakistan has opted to evacuate the families of its diplomats and some non-essential personnel stationed in Iran, a high-ranking official at the Foreign Office stated on Tuesday.

The FO representative indicated in a statement that the relocation of families is a cautionary step, with certain non-essential diplomatic staff members also being recalled.

However, the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran, along with its consulates throughout Iran, will maintain normal operations. The official emphasized that Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in Iran remains fully operational.

Following claims that Iran was nearing the development of nuclear weapons, Israel initiated aerial operations, resulting in the deaths of almost the entire top tier of Iran’s military and its principal nuclear researchers.

These attacks have reportedly resulted in over 220 fatalities within Iran. In response, Iran launched drone and missile strikes, causing over 20 deaths in Israel.

Israel asserts command over Iranian airspace and plans to intensify its campaign in the coming days. An Israeli military source stated that Iran has launched 400 ballistic missiles and numerous drones towards Israel.

Past remarks from Trump suggest the Israeli operation could be swiftly concluded if Iran agrees to U.S. demands for stringent limitations on its nuclear program.

Iran refutes claims of pursuing nuclear arms, asserting its entitlement to nuclear technology for peaceful applications, such as enrichment, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Israel, not a signatory to the NPT, is widely considered to possess nuclear weapons, a stance it neither confirms nor denies.

Concurrently, the government is undertaking efforts to repatriate Pakistanis, including students, from Iran. Nearly 714 nationals have arrived in Pakistan from Iran via buses through the Taftan border, according to immigration authorities on Monday.

These individuals included citizens, traders, and drivers, with heightened security measures implemented due to the ongoing conflict.

Authorities mentioned that three buses transporting 154 Pakistani students reached Taftan from Tehran. These students will be accommodated at Pakistan House after immigration procedures. The total number of student arrivals at the border today amounts to 214.

Two days prior, the Balochistan government temporarily closed all border crossings with Iran in Panjgur, Gwadar, and Kech, citing regional instability and security concerns related to recent escalations in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Interior has further advised citizens against traveling to Iran due to the present conflict. Airspace between the two countries remains closed.

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

Authorities have confirmed that cross-border commerce and passenger movement continue without interruption.