KARACHI: As tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Sunday activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to monitor the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf and to assist Pakistani nationals abroad.

In a post on X, the Foreign Office said the CMU would operate round the clock and could be contacted at +92-51-9207887 for information and emergency assistance.

It strongly advised Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries to exercise utmost caution, remain indoors where possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly adhere to instructions issued by host governments.

The ministry also shared emergency contact details of Pakistani embassies and consulates across the region.

Over 80 citizens return from Iran as tensions escalate in the region

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi informed the community in the United Arab Emirates that flight operations had not yet been restored.

It advised Pakistani nationals “to rely on official and verified sources” of the Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi or its Consulate General in Dubai.

The embassy also advised them that prior to travelling, they should confirm their flight status with the respective airline before proceeding to the airport.

Pakistanis returning from Iran

Meanwhile, Pakistani nationals in Iran have begun returning home amid heightened tensions in the region.

Officials said more than 80 Pakistanis, including students, businessmen, tourists and pilgrims, crossed into Pakistan through border points in Balochistan.

At the Gabd-Rimdan border in Gwadar district, 51 Pakistanis, including five students, arrived on Saturday and were later sent to Gwadar, a senior FIA official posted there said, adding that more Pakistanis were on the way to reach the border from Iran.

Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqeebullah Kakar said returnees were provided accommodation, food and transport to their hometowns. He added that the border would remain open round the clock to facilitate returning nationals.

At the Taftan border in Chagai district, another group of 20 Pakistanis completed immigration formalities and were shifted to Pakistan House. Officials said around 200 more Pakistanis were expected to arrive shortly.

“Around 200 more Pakistanis are expected to reach Taftan at any time,” said an FIA official, quoting some students who reached Taftan.

Chagai Deputy Comm­issioner Jahanzeb Noor said all necessary arrangements had been made to receive returnees.

Separately, the Gwadar district administration advised residents of Gwadar and Jiwani to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. Fishermen from Jiwani, Kuntani Port and Gwadar were instructed not to enter Iranian territorial waters.

Authorities also urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information and rely only on official sources.

Saleem Shahid in Quetta and Behram Baloch in Gwadar also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2026