ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has ordered the evacuation of its nationals from Iran following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran and retaliatory attacks across the Gulf, while strongly condemning the escalation and calling for diplomacy to restore regional stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level security review on Saturday, directing all federal and provincial institutions to implement comprehensive measures to safeguard national security.
He instructed the Foreign Office to coordinate with the Azerbaijani government to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens in Iran via Azerbaijan.
PM Sharif said the armed forces, under Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In separate calls with Gulf leaders, the prime minister expressed Pakistan’s solidarity and condolences over casualties.
Speaking with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, he said, “Spoke with my dear brother HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening to express Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the dangerous regional escalation following the Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent attacks in the Gulf region.”
Sharif also spoke with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly condemning attacks on their countries and assuring them of Pakistan’s full support.
He expressed sorrow over the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE missile strike and vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Gulf nations amid the crisis.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over the breakdown of diplomatic talks and condemned “unwarranted attacks” against Iran, highlighting that such hostilities threaten the peace and stability of the entire region.
The Foreign Office also condemned Iranian retaliatory strikes on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, calling them “blatant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf states.”
Pakistan has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. Those currently in the country are advised to minimize movement, remain in regular contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions, and use contact numbers provided by the Embassy in Tehran and consulates in Zahidan and Mashhad.
Officials stressed the urgent need for all parties to uphold international law and resume diplomacy to achieve a negotiated, peaceful resolution and prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.
