ISLAMABAD: A special Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight safely brought back 107 Pakistanis stranded in Iran, after disruptions caused by the closure of Iranian airspace due to escalating regional conflicts.
The passengers, unable to fly directly because of the airspace restrictions, first travelled overland to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. From there, they boarded PIA’s special flight PK-9552, which landed at Islamabad International Airport early Wednesday morning.
Government’s Swift Coordination Ensures Safe Return
The special repatriation flight was arranged under direct instructions from the Pakistani government to ensure the safe return of its citizens.
Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working closely with the Pakistani embassy in Iran, organized an alternate route from Mashhad to Ashgabat for stranded Pakistanis.
Many passengers expressed their gratitude upon arrival for the prompt government response and the efforts of PIA.
Zulfiqar Ali, a 75-year-old who had travelled to Iran to visit his daughter, praised the embassy staff for their continued support during these challenging times.
This mission highlights Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare and safety of its nationals abroad amid volatile geopolitical circumstances.
Evacuation of Students and Pilgrims Continues
Alongside the flight from Ashgabat, dozens of Pakistani students and pilgrims have been evacuated from Iran via land routes.
Recently, 545 pilgrims and 207 students arrived in Quetta from the Taftan border, which remains open for repatriation and trade despite the closure of the Panjgur crossing due to security concerns.
Quetta Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat confirmed plans to transport the evacuees to their respective hometowns after a brief stay in the provincial capital.
Due to ongoing law and order concerns on some roads, movement restrictions are being enforced to avoid any incidents.
Students like Musharraf Abbas, who was studying at the Iran University of Medical Sciences, described the harrowing experiences of recent Israeli airstrikes near residential and military areas in Tehran.
The deteriorating situation underscores the urgent need for continued evacuation efforts to protect Pakistani citizens in the region.
Pakistan remains vigilant and committed to facilitating the safe return of its people amid the complex and evolving crisis in the Middle East.
