Foreign office said it repatriated 268 nationals from Iraq on Monday, as the Iran-Israel military confrontation enters its fourth day with no signs of either side letting up amid fears of a wider war breaking out in the region. Thousands of Pakistani zaireen (pilgrims) travel annually to Iran and Iraq to visit holy sites there. Many have been stranded since Friday when Israel launched a massive wave of attacks targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities but also hitting residential areas, sparking retaliation and fears of a broader regional conflict. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with Iraqi Airways, successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals earlier today through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad,” the foreign office said. “Both flights have safely reached Pakistan.” The foreign ministry said it remains engaged with Iraqi Airways and other Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani pilgrims in the country. It advised Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq to remain in contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad and respective airlines for timely updates regarding their travel arrangements. “All zaireen are further advised to remain prepared for travel at short notice,” the ministry said. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to facilitating the safe and orderly return of all Pakistani zaireen.”