Pakistanis advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Iran

The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Saturday urged its citizens to avoid "unnecessary travel" to Iran as protests and unrest continue in the neighbouring country.

In a statement, the FO said that Pakistani nationals should avoid travelling to Iran for the time being. It added that the advisory would remain in place until the situation becomes stable.

The FO said that the step was taken to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens.

Pakistanis currently living in Iran were also urged to be extra careful. The Foreign Office asked them to stay alert, limit unnecessary movement, and keep in close contact with Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Tehran, Zahidan and Mashhad for updates and assistance.

Tweet by Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan

The FO shared emergency contact numbers for its missions, saying citizens could reach the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran at +98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91, +98-21-66-9448-88/90 or +98-910-764-8298. Contact numbers were also provided for the consulates in Zahidan (+98-54-33-22-3389, +98-904-614-5412) and Mashhad (+98-910-762-5302, +98-937-180-7175).

The advisory comes as protests have spread across several Iranian cities over the past two weeks, driven largely by frustration over rising living costs. 

Authorities in Iran have responded by restricting internet access in parts of the country.

According to the Iranian human rights group HRANA, at least 62 people have been killed since the demonstrations began on December 28. The group said the dead include both protesters and members of the security forces.