QUETTA — Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced on Tuesday that over 5,600 Pakistani citizens have returned from Iran via the Gwadar and Chagai border crossings since late February, as authorities work to facilitate the smooth movement of people amid ongoing regional tensions.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Bugti stated that from February 28 until Monday night, a total of 5,615 Pakistani citizens crossed back into the country through the two routes.
Foreign Nationals Also Cross
The chief minister added that 431 other foreign nationals entered Pakistan during the same period, including 2,117 Iranian drivers who crossed alongside the returning Pakistani citizens.
The movement comes as the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance continues to disrupt normal travel and trade across the region, prompting many Pakistani nationals to seek return home.
Government Facilitation Efforts
Sarfraz Bugti said that district administrations in Gwadar and Chagai provided excellent care to arriving passengers, assisting them in reaching their final destinations smoothly.
He emphasized that the Balochistan government remains fully vigilant at border crossing points to ensure passengers’ convenience, safety, and comfort during the repatriation process.
Regional Context
The large-scale return of Pakistani citizens from Iran reflects the broader impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian populations and cross-border movement. With flight cancellations and land route disruptions affecting thousands, authorities have been working to manage the influx of returnees while maintaining border security.
The Balochistan government’s proactive messaging aims to reassure citizens that arrangements are in place to handle the situation, even as the regional security landscape remains volatile.
