Pakistan has begun evacuating the families of its diplomatic personnel and some non-essential staff from Iran, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 17, amid a sharp escalation in military hostilities between Tehran and Israel Arab News reports.

It is a move being seen by some as indicative of Islamabad recognising Iran’s weakening position in the face of an Israeli onslaught despite Tehran trying to maintain a defiant stance.

“The foreign ministry is moving out families of diplomats and staff and some non-essential staff from Iran,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media Arab News states. “However, Pakistan embassy in Tehran and our consulates will continue to remain functional” the same official added.

The evacuation comes as thousands of residents in the Iranian capital, Tehran, are reported to be fleeing their homes and stockpiling basic necessities, fearing that Israeli airstrikes against Iran could intensify in the coming days.

The conflict erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a wave of attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear sites and senior military leaders, in what it claimed was an effort to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.

At least 224 people have reportedly been killed in Iran so far. In retaliation, Tehran has launched over 370 missiles and deployed hundreds of drones towards Israeli territory. According to Israeli authorities, 24 people have died and more than 500 have been injured.

Pakistan has also stepped up efforts to repatriate its nationals from both Iran and Iraq, where many were left stranded after regional airspace closures in the immediate aftermath of the Israeli strikes.

Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iran and Iraq each year to visit holy sites. Following the closure of air corridors, many were unable to return home.

On June 14, Pakistan evacuated 450 of its citizens from Iran, while a further 268 were brought home from Iraq via two special flights a day later.

Islamabad has publicly condemned Israel’s military action, describing the strikes as “an unjustified violation of Iranian sovereignty” while Iran has at least once tried to claim that Pakistan would respond with nuclear weapons were Tehran to be struck. This was later denied by Pakistan.