Pakistan issued an official travel advisory, warning its citizens against travelling to Iran due to rising tensions due to Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. Furthermore, Islamabad stressed their efforts in helping return Pakistanis currently in Iran safely back home.
Highlights and Scope of Pakistan’s Advisory for Iran
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and Foreign Office issued an advisory, warning citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran for now, with pilgrims planning visits to religious shrines such as Mashhad or Qom told to reconsider travel safely until further notice. Arabnews.com reports this news story here
Foreign Office released an official statement this morning in which they affirmed their government’s commitment to protect Pakistani nationals living abroad, such as tribune.com.pk +1, app.com.pk +1 and more.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated steps for Crisis Management and Repatriation Steps
Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the activation of a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit charged with providing emergency assistance as well as overseeing their safe repatriation from Iran to Pakistan, according to timesofkarachi.pk +6 and tribune.com.pk (+6) sources.
Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Iran and Iraq have been placed on high alert. Additional staff has been deployed to provide timely updates and support for citizens in need, according to media reports (Tribune.com.pk; Brecorder.com and Arabnews.com respectively).
Religious Pilgrimage Concerns
Though this advisory primarily targets Iran, it also advises individuals planning pilgrimages to Iraq to reconsider their travel plans. Pakistani Zaireen pilgrims intending to visit Shia religious sites such as Mashhad, Qom, Karbala and Najaf should postpone any trips until further notice, according to dunyanews.tv or arabnews.com +7 (or Tribune.com.pk +7) for example have been explicitly encouraged by their government not to go ahead with these trips until further notice (dunyanews.tv+7 and Arabnews.com+7) for example).
Foreign Office warnings have made clear that pilgrims face increased security risks amid ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran in the region.
Background: Escalating Regional Tensions
Pakistan issued this travel warning due to Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites earlier this week, prompting Iran’s response of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli urban areas as retaliatory attacks by missile. Due to this risk of further escalation, they considered it necessary to issue it as well.
Islamabad has denounced Israeli air strikes while simultaneously acknowledging Iran’s right to self-defense. Pakistan supports diplomatic initiatives designed to ease tensions.
Historical Context
While Pakistan and Iran traditionally enjoy cordial relations, recent years have witnessed tension in their bilateral relationship. Notable was an escalation triggered by Iran’s missile strikes against Pakistan’s Balochistan region that resulted in brief military exchange before peaceful de-escalation through diplomatic means. (en.wikipedia.org; page 1)
This event highlights how Middle East instability can quickly spread to South Asian affairs, amplifying risks for Pakistanis living or visiting abroad.
What Citizens Should Know Step Advice
When possible, postpone travel to Iran and Iraq until their situation has stabilized; while Pakistanis living remotely should register at their nearest consulate.
Keep Alert and Plan Return Follow updates from Pakistan’s Foreign Office and local embassies; and have your travel documents prepared; be ready for evacuation should that become necessary.
Officials Speak A Foreign Office spokesperson indicated, “We are closely following developments and prioritizing the safety of our nationals abroad. The government reiterated its commitment to ensure emergency support and timely communication en.wikipedia.org +13, Tribune.com.pk +13, Brecorder.com +13 and Arabnews com +2.
As hostilities between Iran and Israel escalate, Islamabad’s travel advisory reflects proactive diplomacy and citizen protection measures to preserve stability. Unfortunately, however, regional instability remains imminent.
Pakistanis should remain informed, limit non-essential travel and register with consular services if traveling overseas. Should tensions escalate further, Pakistan may organize evacuation protocols to assist its citizens caught in crossfire.
This advisory highlights how quickly regional conflicts can disrupt global movement and safety. Pakistani travelers need to remain alert, prepared, and connected over the coming days and weeks.