Govt intensifies efforts to assist nationals as Middle East crisis deepens

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday directed authorities to maintain close coordination to facilitate and support Pakistani nationals in the Middle East as the regional crisis continues to intensify.

He issued these instructions while chairing a meeting to review evolving developments in the region.

The deputy prime minister took stock of ongoing efforts by Pakistan’s missions abroad and their coordination with relevant departments. “All concerned must remain fully engaged and maintain close coordination, particularly to facilitate and support Pakistani nationals in the region, while closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

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The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It came hours after a Pakistani national died in Abu Dhabi when debris fell in Bani Yas following the interception of a ballistic missile by air defences.

Earlier this month, Pakistan activated a crisis management unit for its citizens in the Middle East after a Pakistani national was killed in the UAE during the interception of an Iranian missile. The incident followed joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered retaliatory attacks.

Subsequently, the Foreign Office issued an advisory urging Pakistani nationals residing in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf to exercise utmost caution. They were strongly advised to remain indoors where possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly adhere to instructions issued by host governments.

As the crisis unfolded, the prime minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safe return of Pakistanis in Iran via Azerbaijan and to immediately contact Azerbaijani authorities in this regard.

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Since the onset of hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran, Pakistan’s leadership has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate tensions and promote peace. Dar has remained in close coordination with regional leaders.

Last week, he held telephonic conversations with counterparts from several Gulf states and other countries, stressing the importance of de-escalation and emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.