Pakistan activates crisis cell for its citizens in Gulf countries; urges them to stay vigilant
Foreign Office. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The Foreign Office on Sunday issued an official advisory for Pakistani nationals in the Middle East and Persian Gulf, and activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) amid escalating regional tensions after the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran that resulted in the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A day earlier, a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was killed during the interception of an Iranian missile, following joint US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic that prompted retaliatory attacks.
The Foreign Office condemned the death, while the UAE extended its condolences and sympathies to the family and relatives of the Pakistani national, expressing solidarity with them and emphasising that targeting civilians and civilian objects is condemned under all legal and humanitarian standards.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) said it had activated its Crisis Management Unit to monitor developments and provide assistance to citizens abroad.
“In view of the evolving regional situation, Mofa has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to closely monitor developments and extend all necessary assistance. The CMU is operational 24/7 and for information or emergency assistance, please contact the CMU: +92-51-9207887,” said the statement.
The government urged Pakistani nationals residing in the Gulf region to remain vigilant and follow official guidance issued by host authorities.
“All Pakistani nationals residing in the Gulf region are strongly advised to exercise utmost caution, remain indoors where possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly adhere to the instructions and advisories issued by the respective host governments.”
The FO added that emergency contact details of Pakistani embassies and consulates in the region had been made available to facilitate citizens requiring assistance.
A day earlier, the US and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran that pushed the Middle East into renewed military confrontation.
In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.
Later, Iranian state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in strikes by Israel and the US, and announced 40 days of public mourning in the Islamic Republic.
US President Donald Trump said the air strikes, launched on Saturday, on Iranian targets were aimed at ending a decades-long threat from Iran and ensuring it could not develop a nuclear weapon as he sought to justify a risky gambit that seemed to go against his professed opposition to American involvement in complex overseas conflicts.
