ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemned the escalating violence in the Middle East on Saturday, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent attacks across Gulf countries, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomacy and regional stability, according to official statements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, saying, “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.”
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, adding, “We remain ready to play a constructive role for peace and pray that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to our region.”
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed regret over the breakdown of diplomatic talks and the outbreak of hostilities.
The spokesperson said, “Pakistan condemns the unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. These attacks come at a time when diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution. Such a course of action will undermine the peace and stability of the entire region, with far-reaching consequences.”
The statement also condemned Iranian retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, calling them “blatant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf states” and highlighting the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE missile strike.
The Foreign Office urged all sides to refrain from actions that could further escalate the crisis.
PM Sharif also held separate telephone conversations with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During the calls, he strongly condemned the regional escalation and expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Gulf nations. Referring to attacks on Qatar and the UAE, he expressed condolences over the death of a Pakistani national and assured both countries that Pakistan would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with their leadership and people amid the crisis.
In response to the evolving situation, Islamabad issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. Nationals currently in Iran are advised to remain cautious, limit movement, and stay in regular contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions.
The Embassy in Tehran and consulates in Zahidan and Mashhad have provided landline and mobile numbers for assistance.
Pakistan’s statements underline the country’s call for all parties to respect international law and uphold the principles of the UN Charter. Officials emphasized the urgent need to resume diplomatic efforts and pursue a negotiated, peaceful resolution to prevent further destabilization across the region.
