Pakistan issues Iran travel advisory as violent protests leave 217 dead

Pakistan has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid Iran as violent protests escalate, leaving at least 27 people dead and prompting internet shutdowns and emergency measures nationwide.

WEBDESK – MediaBites – January 10, 2026

Pakistan has issued an important travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid escalating violence and nationwide protests that have reportedly left at least 217 people dead, according to U.S. media reports.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office advised Pakistani nationals to postpone unnecessary travel to Iran until the situation stabilizes. Pakistanis already in Iran have been urged to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movement due to the deteriorating security environment.

The advisory said Pakistani citizens in Iran should remain in close contact with the Pakistani diplomatic mission and seek assistance in case of any emergency. The Foreign Office added that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its nationals.

Due to the ongoing unrest, the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran has established a Crisis Management Unit to facilitate citizens. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, said round-the-clock assistance is available, with emergency contact numbers and landlines provided for immediate support.

Iran has been gripped by violent protests that initially erupted over rising prices and a deepening economic crisis but have since spread to multiple cities. U.S. media reports put the death toll at 217, though Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the figure.

Reports indicate widespread damage to public and private property during the unrest, including 26 banks, 25 mosques and dozens of fire trucks. In some areas, police stations were attacked, leaving several officers injured. Iranian security forces have reportedly arrested around 2,500 people.

Amid the escalating protests, authorities have suspended internet services nationwide, significantly cutting off Iran from the outside world. International phone calls have reportedly failed, several flights have been cancelled and online news websites are updating intermittently. Dubai Airport data shows at least six flights between Dubai and various Iranian cities have been cancelled.

Iranian authorities have accused foreign-backed elements of fuelling the violence and have called on the United Nations to ensure respect for Iran’s sovereignty. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that Iran will not tolerate what he described as foreign interference or attacks on state institutions.

The Pakistani Foreign Office reiterated its advice that citizens remain vigilant and follow official instructions until the security situation in Iran improves.