The number of Pakistanis trapped in the Middle East due to tensions is revealed by Ishaq Dar.

As authorities step up efforts to ensure their safe escape, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has revealed the number of Pakistani citizens impacted by the present security situation in Iran and around the Middle East.

Speaking about the changing circumstances, Dar claimed that after the escalation, Pakistan had promptly contacted Iran, other nations in the area, and world leaders. He pointed out that the goal of diplomatic engagement was to ease tensions and promote a negotiated settlement.

In order to enable the safe evacuation of around 35,000 Pakistanis, the foreign minister affirmed that emergency procedures had been put in place.

According to Dar, many individuals are now stranded in several countries as a result of the closure of airspace in Iran and many Gulf states. More than 33,000 Pakistanis currently live in Iran, he continued. Even while land routes are still accessible, the general state of affairs is still worrisome and travel durations are long.

Ishaq Dar claims that Pakistan is steadfastly supporting Iran.

According to the minister, the Crisis Management Cell of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is open 24/7, and contact details are posted on the social media site X. Additionally, Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulates in Dubai and Jeddah have been activated, while emergency centers are operating in Tehran, Zahedan, and Mashhad.

Dar went on to say that Pakistan was ready to help mediate a deal between Iran and the US in Islamabad. He also attested to the fact that Iranian missile strikes in Abu Dhabi killed a Pakistani national.

According to the foreign minister’s updated statistics, 300 Iranian nationals have arrived in Pakistan and 64 Pakistanis have been relocated to Azerbaijan thus far. 792 Pakistanis have already made their way back from Iran.

According to him, there are roughly 40,000 Pakistanis in Iraq, 350,000 in Qatar (including 1,450 on visitation visas), and 102,000 Pakistanis employed in Kuwait.

Dar reaffirmed that while border crossings, including Taftan, are open, commercial flights are still suspended. He stated that visa services are being made available to Pakistanis at the border with Azerbaijan and that helplines are open twenty-four hours a day.