ABU DHABI – The identity of the third Pakistani national who tragically lost his life in the recent missile attacks in the United Arab Emirates has been confirmed as Ismail Saleem Khan. Officials have finalized arrangements to repatriate his remains to Pakistan, where he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Peshawar. This somber news adds to the growing list of casualties resulting from the missile escalation that has shaken the Gulf region in recent weeks.
Ismail Saleem Khan, originally from the Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was working in Abu Dhabi as an electrical wiring assistant when he was fatally struck by debris from a missile that fell in the city. Authorities have informed his family in Pakistan about the devastating loss. His body is scheduled to be flown back to Peshawar on Thursday, where funeral proceedings will take place. Khan leaves behind a large family, including three sons and three daughters, who now face the difficult task of mourning his untimely death.
It is worth noting that this incident marks the third Pakistani fatality in the UAE amid the recent missile strikes. Earlier, another Pakistani was killed in Abu Dhabi’s Madinat Zayed area when fragments from an intercepted ballistic missile struck him. Additionally, a Pakistani driver lost his life in Dubai’s Al Barsha district after debris from a missile interception hit his vehicle shortly after iftar. These tragic deaths have brought the total number of casualties in the UAE to seven, with at least three of those being Pakistani nationals.
Meanwhile, the missile attacks are part of a broader escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The violence has intensified following a series of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has launched missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries that host US military bases, including the UAE. This cycle of violence has led to increased insecurity for expatriates and residents in the region.
In a related development, diplomatic channels continue to work closely to ensure the safe repatriation of victims and to provide support to affected families. The Pakistani government has expressed deep concern over the loss of its citizens and is coordinating with UAE authorities to monitor the situation and assist those impacted by the ongoing conflict. As the situation remains volatile, the safety of foreign nationals in the Gulf has become a pressing issue for many governments.
