CMU operating 24/7 to assist stranded Pakistanis in Iran, elsewhere: FO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday said its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) is operating round the clock to monitor developments and extend the necessary assistance to Pakistani nationals in Iran and other countries amid the escalation in the Middle East. In light of the evolving regional situation, the government of Pakistan has taken proactive measures to facilitate the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran and to support the citizens who are stranded at various locations abroad. MoFA Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said this in response to a media query regarding the measures taken to facilitate the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran and to support the citizens elsewhere in the region. On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the spokesperson said, Special Facilitation Desks have been established at Pakistan’s missions abroad to assist stranded Pakistani nationals with visa facilitation, logistics, and travel arrangements. “Missions have also launched dedicated applications, registration portals, and helplines to enable timely outreach and assistance. Pakistan’s missions are in close coordination with host governments to ensure the necessary consular facilitation for the Pakistani diaspora,” he said. With the partial resumption of air connectivity, the FO said, stranded Pakistanis have begun returning to their respective destinations through commercial flights. The government of Pakistan said it remains fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and ensuring their safe and timely return.