Iran Border Evacuation: Pakistanis Flee Strikes, Describe Chaos

Iran border evacuation gained pace as Pakistani families crossed into Balochistan on Monday. They dragged heavy suitcases through the Taftan crossing after strikes hit Tehran. Many described fear, confusion, and severe travel delays.

Families Rush to Taftan Crossing

AFP reporters saw a steady flow of people at the Mirjaveh-Taftan border. Soldiers guarded the gates while freight trucks lined up nearby. The crossing sits about 500 kilometres from Quetta. Several evacuees said missiles lit up the sky in Tehran. Irshad Ahmed, a pilgrim, said he saw rockets fired near his hostel. Therefore, he rushed to the Pakistani embassy for help.
Embassy staff guided citizens toward evacuation points. As a result, crowds packed bus terminals and created transport problems. Trader Ameer Muhammad said many Pakistanis left Tehran and other cities at once. He explained that heavy demand caused delays and confusion. However, he confirmed that officials helped move people safely toward the border. Most families wheeled luggage across the pedestrian gate under tight security.

Leaders React as Tensions Rise

Explosions have shaken Tehran since the weekend. Several countries advised their citizens to leave immediately. Consequently, many foreign nationals began emergency departures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He called it a violation of international law and expressed solidarity with Iran. In addition, he offered condolences to the Iranian people.
A teacher from the Pakistani embassy in Tehran said the situation felt normal before Saturday. However, fresh strikes changed conditions overnight. He said the violence pushed many families to leave quickly.
Authorities continue to monitor the border. Meanwhile, evacuees hope for stability so they can return home safely.