Pakistan has voiced strong condemnation over the recent military strikes targeting Iran, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation in the already volatile Middle East region. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged in a crucial telephone discussion with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to assess the rapidly unfolding security crisis following the latest attacks.
During this high-level conversation, Ishaq Dar unequivocally denounced the attacks on Iranian soil, describing them as unjustified and provocative actions that risk destabilizing the entire region. He stressed the importance of immediately halting all hostilities and called on all involved parties to return to the negotiating table without delay. The Pakistani leadership reiterated its commitment to supporting peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the conflict, highlighting the dangers of continued military confrontations.
The diplomatic outreach from Islamabad came in the wake of a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Israel on Saturday, which they characterized as a “pre-emptive” strike against Iranian targets. This offensive marked a significant intensification of tensions that have persisted for years between Tehran and its adversaries. Former US President Donald Trump publicly declared the commencement of “major combat operations,” signaling a sharp escalation in hostilities that has alarmed regional and global observers alike.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had launched a “first wave” of retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions. Iranian state media confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian remains unharmed following the strikes, while reports indicated that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was relocated to a secure and undisclosed location as a precautionary measure. These developments have intensified fears of a wider regional conflict, prompting several neighboring countries to take immediate security precautions.
In a bid to safeguard civilian lives and prevent further chaos, Iran, Israel, and Iraq have all closed their airspaces to commercial flights. Additionally, Gulf nations such as Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates suspended their air traffic operations following reports of explosions and unrest in various parts of the region. These unprecedented measures underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential for the conflict to spiral beyond its current scope.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office responded swiftly by issuing an urgent travel advisory for Pakistani nationals residing in or traveling to Iran. The advisory expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security conditions and urged citizens to exercise heightened caution. Islamabad continues to advocate for restraint from all parties involved and emphasizes the critical need for renewed diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Middle East.
