The return of Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran continued on Thursday as dozens of students and other nationals crossed into Balochistan through border crossings in Gwadar and Taftan, officials said.
According to district administration officials, 136 individuals, including 25 students, entered Pakistan through the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing in Gwadar district on Thursday.
Authorities said that over the past four days, 456 people, including 156 students, have returned to Pakistan through the Gabd-Rimdan crossing.
Officials added that all individuals who crossed the border were facilitated and transported to their respective hometowns on the instructions of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
Meanwhile, the flow of returning Pakistanis through the Taftan border crossing also continued.
District administration officials said 1,522 Pakistani citizens have so far entered Pakistan through the Taftan border, many of whom are students studying in Iran.
In the latest development, 350 students and other Pakistani nationals arriving from Iran reached Quetta, bringing the total number of people arriving in the provincial capital to more than 900, according to authorities.
Officials further said that more than 2,000 Pakistani citizens and students have so far returned to the country through Balochistan’s border districts of Taftan and Gwadar.
Authorities added that students arriving from Iran are being assisted and transported to their native areas across the country.
Government on high alert
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said 1,979 individuals, including 37 families of diplomats, had entered Pakistan through the Taftan border crossing as tensions continue in neighbouring Iran.
The chief minister said the provincial government had placed all relevant departments on high alert and was fully prepared to respond to any developments arising from the evolving regional situation.
He said the influx of people — including Pakistani citizens as well as foreign nationals — was continuing through the Pakistan-Iran border, adding that authorities were providing all necessary assistance and facilities to those arriving at Taftan.
The provincial government has directed administrative and security institutions in border areas to ensure that the movement and processing of incoming individuals remain organised, secure and efficient.
Immigration officials, security personnel and district administration teams are operating around the clock to facilitate arrivals and prevent difficulties for those entering the country.
According to the chief minister, 37 families of diplomats are among nearly 2,000 individuals who have crossed into Pakistan so far. All arrivals are being provided with guidance, logistical support and essential services.
Bugti said the Balochistan government was in constant coordination with federal authorities to ensure adequate resources were available to manage any emergency situation.
He added that providing assistance on humanitarian grounds remained a key priority for the provincial administration.
Authorities said they would continue to closely monitor the situation at the Taftan crossing as arrivals from Iran persist amid ongoing regional tensions.
