Pakistan decides to evacuate diplomats' families, non-essential staff from Iran

Amid heightened regional tensions following the Iran-Israel conflict, Pakistan has decided to evacuate the families of its diplomats and other non-essential staff stationed in Iran, Geo TV reported citing a senior official at the Foreign Office.

In a statement, the official said the families are being relocated as a precautionary measure, while certain members of non-essential diplomatic personnel are also being recalled.

However, the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran and its consulates in the country will continue to operate normally, the official said, adding that Pakistan's diplomatic missions in Iran remain fully functional. 

Meanwhile, the federal government is taking measures to bring back Pakistanis, including students, from Iran, with nearly 714 nationals arriving in Pakistan from Iran via buses through the Taftan border, immigration officials said on Monday.

The passengers included citizens, traders, and drivers, officials said, adding that special security arrangements had been put in place due to the Iran-Israel conflict.

Two days ago, the Balochistan government closed all border crossing points with Iran in Panjgur, Gwadar and Kech for an unspecified period, citing regional instability and security concerns following recent escalations in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Interior has further advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In addition, airspace between the two countries remains suspended.

Despite these closures, the Taftan border crossing in the Chagai district remains operational.

Authorities there confirmed that cross-border trade and the movement of passengers are continuing as normal.