Panic After Israeli Strikes: Pakistan Tries to Get Its Citizens Home
An explosion of tension in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through South Asia. In mid-June, Pakistan travel advisory warnings flashed across news and government channels. The reason? Israel's surprise airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear centers—which left over 200 people dead, including nuclear scientists and top army figures. Suddenly, thousands of Pakistanis found themselves stuck in the crosshairs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wasted no time. He ordered Pakistani authorities to get nationals out of harm’s way and back to safety. Reports from Tehran and Baghdad, however, painted a chaotic scene. Many stranded Pakistanis, including pilgrims visiting holy sites, and tourists, said they couldn’t reach embassy staff for help. Some families tried hotlines only to get no answer. According to some sources, even the Pakistani ambassador in Iran was out of the country when things escalated.
The Pakistani Foreign Office tried to pick up the slack, launching a crisis management cell. This team was supposed to coordinate rescue efforts, track citizens abroad, and offer guidance. But for those on the ground, the reality was a mixture of uncertainty and frustration. Travelers described being passed back and forth between offices, or getting vague answers with no clear path home. It wasn’t just about flights or paperwork—people worried about violence on the roads, or getting caught in a cross-border skirmish if the fighting spilled over.
A Region on Edge: Global Ramifications and Warnings
This escalating crisis isn’t just local news; it’s grabbing the world’s attention. Israel ramped up its campaign beyond initial bombings, taking aim at Iran’s energy grids and government defense offices. Iran didn’t back down. Their response: missile strikes on Israeli cities. Each day brought more damage reports and more civilian casualties. The U.S. and U.K. quickly advised their own citizens to leave the region where possible, echoing Pakistan’s warning.
This conflict has wrecked travel plans and thrown religious trips into chaos. Many Pakistanis stuck in Iran or Iraq were there for pilgrimages, while others were students or business travelers. Now, with airports on high alert and highways possibly dangerous, even basic movement feels risky. Some have tried to reach local mosques or community centers for updates. Others are waiting for updates from Islamabad, hoping for a safe passage out soon.
The Pakistani government stressed it’s monitoring the crisis hour by hour. Coordination with embassies in Iran and Iraq continues, and officials say they’re pressing airlines for extra flights if the window for evacuation opens. For now, families back in Pakistan are glued to their phones, waiting for any word from loved ones caught in a geopolitical storm they never expected.
Arlen Fitzpatrick
My name is Arlen Fitzpatrick, and I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. I have spent years studying the intricacies of the game, both as a player and a coach. My expertise in sports has allowed me to analyze matches and predict outcomes with great accuracy. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for soccer with others, providing insights and engaging stories about the beautiful game. My ultimate goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans, helping them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the sport.
view all postsWrite a comment