72 Pakistani Students Return Home Amid Iran Protests

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – At least 72 Pakistani students have returned home from Iran amid widespread protests, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, confirmed on Sunday. Speaking to a news channel, he stated that students from the University of Hormozgan in Bandar Abbas departed for Pakistan today.

The embassy in Tehran provided full assistance to ensure the students’ safe return, coordinating with Iranian border authorities. Tipu also mentioned that Pakistani students from Zanjan University would soon be repatriated.

Protests erupted in Iran on December 28 over rising prices, later evolving into broader demonstrations against the ruling authorities. Tehran has accused the US and Israel of instigating unrest, while Iran’s police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, said security forces are intensifying efforts to control the protests.

Read more: Iran Says Situation Calm After Brief Unrest

The ambassador advised all Pakistani nationals in Iran to follow Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidelines. He stressed that students must complete all formalities before leaving and ensure passports have valid exit stamps. With disrupted internet and telephone services, he urged citizens to contact the embassy via landlines and arrive at border crossings at least four hours before closing.

He further emphasized that students should have clearance certificates from their universities to avoid delays at Iranian immigration. For safety, Pakistani nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until the situation stabilizes.