In a major repatriation effort, 107 Pakistani nationals who had been stranded in Iran have safely returned home via a special Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight. The plane landed at Islamabad International Airport earlier this week, marking yet another successful operation carried out by the Government of Pakistan to assist citizens caught in difficult circumstances abroad.
The passengers, who had been stuck in Iran due to various logistical and diplomatic challenges, were received by officials at the airport and immediately underwent health screenings and immigration checks. The repatriated individuals were later transferred to designated quarantine centers as per health protocols issued by the Ministry of Health to prevent any potential spread of infectious diseases, particularly in light of ongoing global health concerns.
Repatriation Efforts Amid Diplomatic Coordination
This latest repatriation mission was the result of coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran, and the Civil Aviation Authority. According to official sources, most of the stranded individuals had been in Iran for work, education, religious pilgrimage, or family visits, but had found themselves unable to return home due to flight suspensions, visa issues, or political complications.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the efforts of Pakistan's diplomatic staff in Iran, noting that consular teams had been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to compile lists of affected citizens, ensure their safe travel, and facilitate all necessary documentation.
“This mission reflects the Government’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Pakistani citizens, no matter where they are in the world,” the statement read.
Health and Safety Protocols Remain Top Priority
Upon their arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the returnees were received by a team of medical professionals and airport authorities. Each individual was screened for symptoms of communicable diseases and underwent a COVID-19 rapid test, as part of standard safety protocols that remain in place for international arrivals.
Officials confirmed that anyone showing symptoms or testing positive would be isolated and provided with medical care, while others would undergo a mandatory short quarantine before being allowed to return to their respective homes.
The Ministry of National Health Services assured the public that all measures were being taken to safeguard the broader community, noting that Pakistan has developed and refined its repatriation protocols over the past few years to manage such situations effectively.
Continued Flights for Stranded Citizens
This repatriation is part of a broader initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan to bring back its citizens stranded in different parts of the world. In the past several months, special flights have been arranged to repatriate Pakistanis from countries including Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine.
Earlier this year, a similar flight brought back over 250 Pakistani nationals who were stranded in Iraq due to prolonged delays in visa processing and regional instability. These efforts have been widely praised both domestically and by international human rights organizations for prioritizing the needs of citizens abroad during times of uncertainty.
In addition to humanitarian motives, the government has emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties with host countries during these repatriation efforts. The coordination required for these missions has also served to strengthen bilateral relations and has showcased Pakistan's ability to manage complex international operations.
Community and Family Reactions
Back home, the return of the stranded citizens has brought immense relief to their families and communities. Social media platforms were flooded with emotional posts from relatives expressing gratitude to the authorities for facilitating the safe return of their loved ones.
“I hadn’t seen my brother in over a year. He went to Iran for work but was stuck there for months with no way to come back,” said Adeel Khan, a resident of Rawalpindi. “Thanks to this special flight, he’s finally home.”
Local media outlets have also praised the initiative, calling it a step in the right direction to ensure no citizen feels forgotten, regardless of where they are.
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that similar missions are being planned for other countries where Pakistani citizens are facing difficulties. Citizens still stuck abroad have been encouraged to contact local Pakistani embassies and consulates to register their details for future repatriation flights.
While the return of the 107 citizens from Iran marks a successful chapter, the broader challenge of helping Pakistanis abroad remains ongoing. Nonetheless, this latest effort is a reminder of the state’s responsibility—and its willingness—to act swiftly in the face of adversity to bring its people home.
Reference: ایران میں پھنسے 107 پاکستانی خصوصی پرواز کے ذریعے اسلام آباد پہنچ گئے
Comments
0 comment