Islamabad(TheCOWNews Digital)A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) special flight successfully repatriated 107 Pakistani nationals stranded in Iran, bringing them back home via Turkmenistan. The passengers arrived in Islamabad early Tuesday morning aboard PIA flight PK-9552, marking a significant achievement in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to support its citizens abroad during times of crisis.
The return operation was made possible following the closure of Iranian airspace, which had prevented direct commercial or chartered flights from departing. As a result, all stranded Pakistani nationals were first transported by land from various locations in Iran to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. From there, the special PIA flight was arranged to bring them safely to Islamabad.
The humanitarian and diplomatic effort was coordinated closely by Pakistan’s embassies in Tehran and Ashgabat, which played a vital role in the logistics and documentation process. Their timely intervention ensured that the journey remained smooth and secure, despite the regional challenges and geopolitical tensions in the backdrop.
The special repatriation flight was dispatched under the instructions of the Government of Pakistan, in response to appeals from citizens and their families. This initiative was aimed at providing immediate relief and support to Pakistanis who found themselves stranded due to circumstances beyond their control, including the temporary closure of regional air routes.
Speaking to the media, several returning passengers expressed deep gratitude to the Pakistani government and the national airline. They described the journey as “safe and reassuring” and lauded the professionalism and empathy shown by the embassy officials and airline staff throughout the process.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed the safe arrival of the passengers, emphasizing the airline’s unwavering commitment to national service. “This operation once again reflects PIA’s historic tradition of standing by the nation during difficult times,” he stated. “We are proud to assist wherever Pakistanis are in need.”
He further noted that such missions highlight the airline’s readiness to mobilize resources in alignment with national interests. “Every effort was made to ensure passenger comfort and safety from the moment they entered Turkmenistan to their arrival in Islamabad,” the spokesperson added.
Foreign Office officials also acknowledged the crucial cooperation between Pakistani missions abroad and Turkmen authorities, whose assistance facilitated a smooth transition across borders and helped streamline the process.
This repatriation comes at a time when geopolitical instability and security concerns have complicated civilian movements across the Middle East and Central Asia. It underscores the importance of diplomatic agility and coordination between various arms of the state, especially in safeguarding the well-being of overseas Pakistanis.
Officials confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to conduct further repatriation missions if needed, depending on the developments in the region.
The successful completion of this mission has been widely welcomed by civil society and the Pakistani diaspora as an example of timely, responsible governance and national solidarity.
