450 Pakistani Pilgrims Repatriated from Iran: Ishaq Dar

Summary of Repatriation Effort

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on June 15, 2025, that 450 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iran have been successfully evacuated and returned home. The repatriation effort comes amid escalating regional tensions sparked by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian sites. Dar confirmed this operation via a tweet, stating that the pilgrimage group was safely repatriated and preparations are underway to bring back Pakistani students stranded in Iran .

Context: Rising Regional Security Crisis

The evacuation initiative follows a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities that triggered retaliatory missile fire from Tehran . With airspace in both countries closed, thousands of Pakistani religious travelers—known as zaireen—found themselves unable to return home. The initial repatriation of 450 pilgrims provides immediate relief, while broader evacuations continue to secure the safety of another 5,000 pilgrims, as directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif .

Diplomatic and Administrative Coordination

To oversee and streamline evacuation operations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) on a 24/7 basis . Pakistani embassies and consulates in Tehran, Baghdad, and other aid hubs are actively coordinating safe shelter, travel arrangements, and communication. The embassy in Baghdad is also monitoring pilgrims who are stranded in Iraq due to similar disruptions .

Breakdown of Repatriation Phases

• Phase One – Pilgrims: The first batch of 450 pilgrims has arrived home, according to Ishaq Dar .
• Upcoming Phase – Students: Another 154 Pakistani students currently studying in Iran are scheduled for evacuation soon .
• Broader Repatriation: Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, authorities are facilitating comprehensive return operations for all approximately 5,000 pilgrims currently in Iran .

Government Messaging and Public Communication

Ishaq Dar has emphasized that the government’s priority is the welfare and safety of its nationals abroad. In his public communications, he provided embassy hotline numbers—for instance, (0098)‑21‑6694‑1388—for direct assistance to pilgrims and students in Iran . Pakistan’s broader advisory urges its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Iran and Iraq amid the evolving security landscape .

Diplomatic Engagement with Iran

In diplomatic exchanges, Ishaq Dar reportedly spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, expressing solidarity with Iran’s civilians affected by the Israeli strikes . The call also highlighted collaborative actions to assist Pakistani nationals and pilgrims, underlining regional coordination amid crisis .

Pakistan’s Broader Crisis Response

According to a Business Recorder report, Pakistani embassies in Iran and Iraq have activated crisis protocols, facilitating lodging, travel planning, and medical aid for nationals as needed . The 24/7 Crisis Management Unit (CMU) remains operational, handling queries and coordinating repatriation through government and diplomatic channels .

Scale and Urgency

Pakistan currently tracks about 5,000 pilgrims in Iran, a fluctuating number, and is actively working to bring all of them back safely . Given the uncertain environment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the urgency of using all state resources to support nationals in distress .