In the midst of escalating violent protests sweeping across Iranian cities, Pakistani students and religious pilgrims are fleeing the turmoil, navigating a landscape of economic collapse and social unrest.
The streets of Iran have erupted with public outrage over surging inflation and a rapidly depreciating rial, compelling over a hundred Pakistanis to seek refuge and return home via the Gwadar corridor.
Officials confirmed that more than 100 students and pilgrims have crossed into Pakistan through the Gabad-250 border checkpoint, with additional arrivals expected today.
On Sunday evening, a cohort of students reached the border by coaches, while pilgrims followed on Monday afternoon, their journey shadowed by apprehension and uncertainty.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) validated the repatriations. Senior FIA official Balaach Yaqoob stated that another contingent of approximately 50 students, enrolled at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, is expected to arrive at the Gabad-250 border crossing today.
An official stationed at Gabad described the tense influx: roughly 40 Pakistani pilgrims, including women and children, were received safely, alongside an 18-member family. Additional pilgrims are currently en route, traversing regions embroiled in civil unrest. Most returnees have proceeded to their hometowns after completing immigration formalities.
The protests, which erupted on December 28 over spiraling prices and pervasive inflation, have proliferated nationwide. The collapse of the rial has intensified Iran’s economic crisis, driving the cost of meat, rice, and essential staples to unprecedented levels.
With inflation hovering around 40 percent, Iran is enduring one of its most severe economic crises in decades, leaving ordinary citizens and foreign nationals caught in the crossfire of political and financial instability.
