Pakistan urges citizens to avoid travel to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria

Pakistani pilgrims evacuated from Iran walk across the Pakistan-Iran border at Taftan, in Balochistan province on June 18, 2025. Photo: AFP
Listen to article
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid travel to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria due to the worsening security situation in the region.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the Foreign Office said the advisory was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Pakistani citizens, advising them to defer all non-essential travel to the four countries until further notice.
'Pakistani nationals currently residing in these countries are advised to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and minimise non-essential movement,' the ministry said.
🔊PR No: 1️⃣7️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Travel Advisory for Pakistani nationals regarding Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria
For their safety and security, Pakistani nationals are strongly advised to avoid all travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Lebanon, and… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 19, 2025
The advisory follows increased regional tensions and security threats, although no specific incident was cited. The ministry did, however, deny reports circulating on social media suggesting a closure of the Pakistan-Iran border.
Pakistani citizens were also urged to stay in regular contact with Pakistan's diplomatic missions for timely updates and assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided emergency contact numbers for embassies and consulates in affected regions, including:

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Express Tribune

27 minutes ago

• Express Tribune

Trump conveyed Pakistan's concerns over Iran-Israel war

A day after the landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House, Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its opposition to a military solution and emphasised diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. At his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the Pakistani delegation, led by the field marshal, likely conveyed Islamabad's concerns and stance on the escalating conflict during the meeting. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also released a statement confirming a "detailed exchange" between the two sides on the prevailing tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Iran situation. Both leaders reportedly stressed the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Responding to a question on President Trump's remark that "Pakistan is not happy with the situation", the spokesperson said the field marshal must have clearly communicated Pakistan's position and concerns during the high-level discussions "Pakistan's authoritative position is conveyed in the foreign ministry's statement, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar's, statement in the Senate. So, you put two together, you can understand what must have been conveyed by our side, our concerns," the spokesperson explained. He, however, would not say any role was being envisaged for Pakistan in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "But what we can say is, we condemn what Israel is doing in Iran. It is in violation of all rules of civilized behavior, interstate relation, international law and international humanitarian law. This is very clear." "We prefer and are open to support any diplomatic effort which can lead to the de-escalation and restoration of peace," he further said. Sources said the Trump administration was told that diplomacy was the only way forward and any other means to resolve the conflict would have far reaching implications. Trump and his team were briefed by the Pakistani side about the likely implications, which prompted the US president to tell reporters later that Pakistan knew more about Iran than many others. Meanwhile, the military's media wing on Thursday provided more details about the meeting at the White House and what transpired in over two-hour long exchange with Trump. The high-level engagement was scheduled at the Cabinet Room over Luncheon followed by a visit to the Oval Office. President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, and Mr Steve Witkoff, the US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs. Field Marshal Asim Munir was joined in by Pakistan's National Security Adviser. During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and the people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis. The COAS acknowledged President Trump's statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community. President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism. Discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests. President Trump commended Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics. In a gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date. Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue. "The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity," said ISPR. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump discussed trade, economic development, and cryptocurrency during their meeting at the White House on Wednesday, the army said. "President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests," the army said in a statement on Thursday. (With additional input from Reuters)

Express Tribune

an hour ago

• Express Tribune

Russia warns US against 'military intervention'

Russia on Thursday warned the United States not to take military action against Iran. "We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation," Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that it was not up to Trump to reject Putin's offer. "These services can be accepted by countries that are currently directly involved in the conflict," he said. Zakharova warned any US military action "would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences". Moscow issued its warning after Putin spoke with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, with the pair blasting Israel. Putin and Xi "strongly condemn Israel's actions," the Kremlin said after the call. Putin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Moscow and Beijing believed the end to the hostilities "should be achieved exclusively by political and diplomatic means". Russia has for years been a key actor in the Middle East, managing to maintain warm relations with all major players in the region. But the fall of key ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria last year, and Israel's war in Gaza -- which Putin has repeatedly raised concerns about -- have threatened to dent that position. Despite their close military ties, Putin said Iran had not requested military help in the week since Israel launched its attacks. "Our Iranian friends have not asked us about this," Putin said in response to a question from an AFP reporter at a late-night televised press conference in Saint Petersburg. He also pointed out that the treaty signed in January was not a mutual defence pact and did not oblige either side to provide arms or assistance. Asked what steps Russia would take if Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated, Putin said: "I don't even want to discuss such a possibility." His spokesman said later Thursday that Russia would be prepared to send humanitarian aid, if requested to by Tehran. In their phone call, Xi told Putin that a ceasefire was "top priority" and also criticised Israel. "Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority. Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes," Xi said, according to China's state news agency Xinhua. "Parties to the conflict, especially Israel, should cease hostilities as soon as possible to prevent a cyclical escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war," he added.

Express Tribune

an hour ago

• Express Tribune

Trump extends deadline for TikTok sale

All eyes are on whether Trump can save the app. Photo: AFP President Donald Trump announced Thursday he had given social media platform TikTok another 90 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or be banned in the United States. "I've just signed the Executive Order extending the Deadline for the TikTok closing for 90 days (September 17, 2025)," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, putting off the ban for the third time. A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's January inauguration. The Republican, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media, has previously said he is fond of the video-sharing app. "I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok," Trump said in an NBC News interview in early May. "If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension."