QUETTA: As the US-Israeli war against Iran entered its twelfth day on Thursday, Pakistan continued to witness a steady influx of people returning home through its Balochistan borders with Iran.
Officials said that 228 people crossed into Pakistan via the Taftan Border, bringing the total number of arrivals there to 3,044 in just 11 days since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28. The Taftan crossing has historically been the main gateway for pilgrims and traders, but has now become a focal point for those fleeing the conflict.
Meanwhile, 83 people returned through the Gabd Ramdan Border on Wednesday, raising the total number of arrivals at that crossing to 1,184 over the same period. Combined figures show that 4,228 people have entered Pakistan through Taftan and Gabd Ramdan in less than two weeks.
The sudden movement follows the escalation of fighting after US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Iranian targets late last month, assassinating their supreme leader Ayotollah Khamenei and triggering fears of a wider regional war. Iran’s retaliatory attacks through the Gulf states, closure of strait of Hormuz and the disruption of civilian life have prompted thousands to seek refuge or return to their home countries.
Officials in Balochistan said both domestic and foreign nationals arriving from Iran are being treated as “guests of the provincial government.” They added that all necessary facilities, including accommodation and food, are being provided to those crossing into Pakistan.
