Full Breakdown
Pakistani Students Describe Violence Amid Unrest in Iran
1/16/2026, 1:48:51 AM
Overview of the Situation
Pakistani students returning from Iran reported experiencing significant unrest characterized by gunfire and rioting while confined to their university campuses. This unrest is part of a broader wave of protests in Iran, which has been described as the most severe since the 1979 revolution, with a rights group estimating the death toll to be over 2,600. The Iranian government is attempting to suppress these protests amid threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene on behalf of the demonstrators.
Eyewitness Accounts of Violence
Students from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences shared their experiences upon returning to Islamabad on January 15. Shahanshah Abbas, a fourth-year student, recounted hearing gunshots during the night and described a pervasive atmosphere of violence, stating, "The situation down there is that riots have been happening everywhere. People are dying. Force is being used." Abbas noted that students were restricted to their dormitories after 4 p.m. for safety reasons.
Arslan Haider, a final-year student, echoed these sentiments, explaining that the riots typically escalated later in the day. He expressed concern for his family, as he was unable to communicate with them due to an internet blackout that lasted for a week. With the restoration of international calling, students began reaching out to their families through the Pakistani embassy, which has been facilitating communication for approximately 3,500 students in Iran.
Government Response and International Implications
The Iranian leadership is facing mounting pressure as protests continue to swell. President Donald Trump has made repeated threats to intervene in support of the protesters but adopted a cautious approach on January 15, observing a decrease in protest activity. The Iranian government has implemented an internet blackout, severely restricting information flow and communication for both local citizens and international students.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Iranian government's handling of the protests argue that the use of force against demonstrators is excessive and unjustified. The situation has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations condemning the violence and calling for accountability. The Iranian authorities, however, maintain that they are acting to restore order and stability in the face of unrest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During night-time, we would sit inside, and we would hear gunshots,” — Shahanshah Abbas, Student
- “The riots would mostly start later in the day.” — Arslan Haider, Student
- “Since they don’t have internet connections to make WhatsApp and other social network calls, what they do is they contact the embassy from local phone numbers and tell us to inform their families.” — Pakistani Diplomat
Conclusion
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with ongoing protests and government crackdowns. As international students like those from Pakistan navigate this challenging environment, the implications of the unrest extend beyond Iran, raising concerns about human rights and regional stability.
