Pakistani nationals stranded in Iran following recent US and Israeli strikes have begun returning to their homeland through the Gwadar and Taftan border crossings.

According to officials, 19 Pakistanis — including male and female students studying at Zahidan Medical University — arrived at Taftan late Sunday night. The Deputy Commissioner of Chagai confirmed that among them, 12 students belong to Punjab and seven to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

In a separate update, the Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar stated that 51 Pakistanis had reached the city from Iran. He said five of them were students, while the remaining individuals were pilgrims and tourists who had been temporarily stranded due to the regional security situation.

Authorities said all returning nationals are being provided necessary facilitation and would be sent to their respective native areas after completing required procedures and documentation.

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Following the escalation of tensions in Iran after reported strikes, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate steps to ensure the safe repatriation of Pakistani citizens from Iran and other affected regions.

Officials added that border coordination and monitoring have been strengthened to manage the smooth and secure movement of returnees.

The government has assured families that efforts are ongoing to bring back all stranded citizens safely.