A group of Pakistani students and pilgrims has begun returning home from Iran via the Gabad-250 border crossing in Balochistan, officials said, amid ongoing unrest in the neighbouring country. Over the past two days, more than 100 Pakistanis including university students and religious pilgrims have crossed into Pakistan, with additional arrivals expected in the coming days.
According to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration authorities, a number of the returnees arrived by coach on Sunday evening, while others crossed on foot on Monday afternoon after completing travel to the border. Many included families with women and children. Most of those entering Pakistan finished immigration formalities and continued on to their respective hometowns.
Officials also noted that around 50 more students, many of whom are enrolled at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, are expected to arrive at the border crossing on Tuesday. The returns come against the backdrop of widespread protests and economic strain in Iran, where demonstrations triggered in late December have continued due to high inflation and currency devaluation.