Pakistan Strongly Condemns US and Israeli Military Strikes Against Iran
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, issued a firm condemnation on Saturday against what he described as "unwarranted attacks" by Israel and the United States targeting Iran. The senior Pakistani leader emphasized the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels to resolve the escalating crisis.
High-Level Diplomatic Exchange Following Regional Strikes
The condemnation came during a significant telephone conversation initiated by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who contacted his Pakistani counterpart following a series of military strikes on Iranian territory. According to an official statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two foreign ministers engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and its profound implications for regional stability across the Middle East.
The Foreign Office statement, which was also shared through an official post on the social media platform X, explicitly stated: "DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a call from FM of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. They reviewed the evolving situation in Iran and the wider region. DPM/FM strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through urgent resumption of diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis."
Pakistan Issues Travel Advisory for Citizens in Iran
In a related development reflecting the heightened tensions, the Embassy of Pakistan in Iran issued an immediate travel advisory for Pakistani nationals. The embassy strongly urged all Pakistani citizens to avoid any non-essential travel to Iran until further notice, citing significant safety concerns. For Pakistani citizens currently residing in or visiting Iran, the diplomatic mission advised maintaining extreme vigilance, limiting all unnecessary movements, and establishing regular communication with Pakistani diplomatic missions for updates and assistance.
The advisory underscores the serious security implications of the military actions, which reportedly included missile strikes and explosions heard in several regional capitals. The unfolding conflict has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and potential danger for foreign nationals across the affected areas.
Regional Context of the Escalating Conflict
The condemnation from Pakistan arrives amidst a complex backdrop of regional military engagements. Reports indicate that Israeli forces conducted targeted strikes against Iranian positions, while simultaneous attacks were attributed to United States military assets. These operations have triggered a chain reaction of regional instability, with explosions reported in major cities including Abu Dhabi and Doha, and strikes affecting strategic locations such as US naval headquarters in Bahrain.
Iran has reportedly responded with its own military operations, launching attacks on US military bases across the Middle East under an operation codenamed 'Truthful Promise 4'. This exchange of hostilities represents one of the most significant escalations in regional tensions in recent years, with potential ramifications for international diplomacy, global energy markets, and regional security architectures.
Pakistan's call for diplomatic resolution reflects its longstanding position advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability. As a neighboring country with significant geopolitical interests in the Middle East, Pakistan's intervention highlights the broader international concern regarding the potential for further escalation and the urgent need for de-escalation mechanisms to prevent a wider regional conflict.
