ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the safe repatriation of Pakistani nationals from Iran amid escalating regional tensions, while emphasizing that Pakistani embassies across Gulf countries will remain accessible at all times to provide support to citizens abroad. The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to review measures for the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran in light of the ongoing attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, as well as efforts to facilitate Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries. During the meeting, officials gave a detailed briefing on the status of nationals returning from Iran. “By the grace of Allah, Pakistanis are safely returning home from Iran, and the Pakistani embassy in Azerbaijan is fully operational to assist evacuees,” the briefing noted. He expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its assistance in coordinating the safe passage of Pakistani citizens. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to maintain continuous monitoring of the situation and ensure timely support for all evacuees. In addition to the developments in Iran, the meeting also reviewed measures taken by Pakistani missions in Gulf states to provide assistance and protection to the local Pakistani community, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Azam Nazir Tarrar and Attaullah Tarrar, Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026