Students and pilgrims trek back to Pakistan, facing hardship and uncertainty

Due to the ongoing violent protests in different parts of Iran, the Pakistani students in various universities, religious educational institutions, as well as those on pilgrimage in Iranian holy sites, have begun their return to Pakistan via Gwadar.

Authorities reported that over a hundred pilgrims and students entered the country through the Gabad-250 border crossing point, with others expected to return tomorrow.

The officials of the FIA immigration confirmed the return of students and pilgrims from Iran. “Over 100 students and pilgrims have returned to Pakistan from Iran in the last two days,” Balaach Yaqoob, a senior FIA official, said.

A batch of Pakistani students also arrived at the border in buses and entered Pakistan from Iran on Sunday night, while the pilgrims arrived on Monday afternoon.

"Around 40 Pakistani pilgrims, including women and children, reached Gabad on Monday afternoon," the official in charge of the Gabad border post said. He added, "We have also received an 18-member family of Pakistani pilgrims at the immigration office."

According to them, he said, more pilgrims were on their way to Gabad. He said most of the students and pilgrims, who arrived at the border crossing later left for their hometowns.

About the 50 other students who were to arrive on Tuesday, the official said, “We are waiting for them. They are students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences.”