Escalating Conflict: Pakistanis Flee Iran Amid Strikes

In early March 2026, a significant escalation in military conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran prompted a wave of Pakistani nationals to flee Iran. Reports indicate that explosions and missile strikes have devastated Tehran, leading to a mass exodus of approximately 1,000 individuals, including students, businessmen, and pilgrims, from a total of 35,000 Pakistanis residing in the country.

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The conflict intensified following the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf region, including Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. As the situation deteriorated, many residents of Tehran reported feeling the ground shake from nearby explosions, with buildings engulfed in flames and smoke. Eyewitness accounts from returning Pakistanis described a city that appeared deserted, with significant destruction evident.

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Pakistani nationals crossing the border into Taftan, Balochistan, recounted harrowing experiences. Hareem Zahra, a student at Tehran University of Engineering, described witnessing powerful explosions and thick smoke from burning buildings. Medical student Sakhi Aun Mohammad reported that attacks occurred every few hours, with missiles striking near his university. The Pakistani ambassador to Tehran, Mudassir Tipu, noted the challenges faced by evacuees, including a lack of internet access in Iran.

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The killing of Khamenei has sparked outrage across the Shiite Muslim community, leading to protests in Pakistan and other countries with significant Shiite populations. Demonstrations erupted in cities like Karachi and Islamabad, where protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate, resulting in at least 22 fatalities. The protests reflect a deep-seated anger towards perceived attacks on Shiite identity and leadership, with calls for solidarity among Shiite communities across the region.

The Independent

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the airstrikes as a violation of international law and expressed condolences to the Iranian people. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry denounced the attacks without directly naming the U.S. or Israel. Meanwhile, the Taliban government in Afghanistan expressed "deep regret" over the situation, highlighting the regional instability that could arise from the conflict.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Critics of Iran's foreign policy have pointed to the potential for backlash against Iranian influence in the region. Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that while there is anger over Khamenei's death, there is also frustration among Shiite populations regarding Iran's involvement in other countries' affairs. This sentiment may temper the immediate violent backlash anticipated in response to the strikes.

Associated Press

While reports indicate widespread destruction in Tehran, the exact number of casualties and the full extent of the damage remain unclear. Eyewitness accounts vary, with some individuals describing a chaotic evacuation process and others reporting a relatively normal situation before the strikes intensified.

The Straits Times

As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. Evacuations are ongoing, and regional tensions are likely to escalate further, impacting diplomatic relations and security across the Middle East and South Asia.

The Straits Times