Envoy grateful as 10 Pakistani hostages rescued in Iran

ISLAMABAD: Iranian authorities have rescued 10 Pakistani citizens who were held hostage by a criminal gang involved in human smuggling operations, promising illegal passage to Europe.

In a tweet, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu confirmed the recovery of the hostages and shared a picture of his interaction with them at the embassy. “I received my nationals in the Embassy in Tehran who were kidnapped by human smugglers of both Pakistan and Iran,” the ambassador wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

“It was tragic to know their horrifying tales of assault, pain, suffering, and emotional toll on their minds for what they had gone through.” The ambassador expressed gratitude towards Iranian authorities for their decisive action.

“Deeply thankful to the government of Iran for carrying out a robust police action against human smugglers that led to the release of ten Pakistani nationals. All of them are safe and with the protection of the Embassy. We are making arrangements for their return to Pakistan.” He urged Pakistani citizens to steer clear of human traffickers.

“I call upon our nationals not to be trapped by human smugglers,” he said. Mr Tipu said the Embassy treated Pakistani nationals with dignity and compassion and would ensure their safe return to the country.

He said Pakistani nationals should condemn human smugglers and their heinous practices, and should not be trapped by their false promises. The envoy said Iranian police had arrested members of the criminal gang involved. He underscored the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in tackling cross-border human smuggling.