Govt urges citizens to avoid travel to Iran amid escalating tensions
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The Government of Pakistan has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran for a limited period due to the recent Israeli attacks, Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Saturday.
Officials stated that the advisory has been issued to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani nationals, and the government is closely monitoring the evolving regional situation.
In line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's directives, necessary steps are already being taken to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens currently in Iran, officials added.
The Foreign Office has also established a crisis management cell to provide emergency assistance to citizens abroad.
Read More: Israel warns of more strikes as Iran signals imminent 'heavy' attack
Amid ongoing tension, several other countries have also issued travel advisories, advising caution to their citizens as the situation escalates.
The U.S. Department of State is urging all Americans to exercise extreme caution in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the State Department said, "Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens in Israel and the broader region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments."
Britain has also warned its citizens against traveling to Israel amid fears of an all-out war with Iran.
In its latest travel advice, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the country. Explaining its advice, the Foreign Office pointed to the nationwide state of emergency declared in Israel and the Israeli strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran.
The advisory warned that the situation could escalate rapidly and pose serious risks, including the possibility of missile strikes.
Also Read: Iran claims downing of Israeli F-35, says female pilot captured
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed full solidarity with Tehran in a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian while also condemning Israel's 'unprovoked aggression.'
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Saturday, the premier expressed 'Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran' and denounced the Israeli strikes as an 'affront to international law and the UN Charter.'
'Iran has every right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter,' Sharif said, underscoring Islamabad's firm stance on the matter.
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The PM denounced Israel's blatant provocations and adventurism as a grave threat to regional and global peace and stability. He also strongly condemned Israel's unabated genocidal campaign against the valiant Palestinians, carried out with complete impunity. He urged the international community and the United Nations to take urgent and credible steps to put an end to Israel's aggressive behaviour and its illegal actions. He stated that Pakistan was fully committed to promoting peace in the region and stood ready to play its role in this context. President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan's support and solidarity with Iran at this difficult time, particularly at the UN Security Council. He said this gesture was reflective of the close and brotherly relations between the two countries. He apprised the PM about Iran's perspective on the crisis with Israel and urged the international community, particularly the Islamic countries, to work together closely to counter these threats. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact. The Iranian president criticised what he described as the United States' "dishonesty" for supporting Israel while Washington and Tehran were engaged in nuclear talks. "The Zionist regime's coordination with the United States in its aggression against Iranian territory in the midst of negotiations is a sign of America's dishonesty and unreliability," Pezeshkian said in a phone call with the prime minister, according to the Iranian presidency. He warned that there would be a "more severe and powerful response" if Israel continued to strike his country. "The continuation of Zionist aggression will be met with a more severe and powerful response from the Iranian armed forces," Pezeshkian told the prime minister, according to the Iranian presidency. The prime minister also held a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye and the two agreed that "Israel's unprovoked aggression against Iran" was "a blatant violation of international law and a threat to regional peace". Both the leaders discussed the deeply worrying situation in the region in the wake of Israel's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Iran. The two leaders agreed that Israel's military strikes had violated Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in clear contravention of the UN Charter and international law, while seriously jeopardizing regional and global peace and stability. They also denounced Israel's brazen military aggression against the brave Palestinian people, that continued with complete impunity. The two leaders emphasized that the international community and the United Nations must act collectively and urge Israel to immediately end its aggressive posturing and illegal actions against Iran, Palestine and other countries in the region. While renewing Pakistan's firm and unwavering commitment to upholding international peace, security and stability, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role for peace, both as member of the UN Security Council, as well as in other forums such as the OIC. In this regard, the prime minister said that Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would represent Pakistan at the upcoming OIC CFM meeting in Istanbul. He also congratulated President Erdogan for being decorated by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF). OIC session Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to hold an emergency meeting to develop a joint strategy in response to Israel's ongoing aggression. Speaking in the National Assembly, the minister condemned Israel's brutal actions, especially its military aggression against Iran. He called it a serious threat to regional and global peace. "Palestinian children are being killed, yet there are more protests in non-Muslim countries than in Muslim nations," he remarked with regret. He warned that if the Muslim world doesn't act together, every country will eventually become a target. "The way Israel has targeted Yemen, Iran, and Palestine shows a larger plan. Most Muslim nations are already facing security risks. Strong leadership is needed now," he said. He highlighted how the world was closely watching Pakistan's coastal borders during recent tensions, and how Pakistan's armed forces defended the nation bravely. "Our navy's response forced the enemy to retreat," he said. The defence minister said that while Pakistan's military strength is commendable, the economy must also be strong. He praised Pakistan's youth, especially cyber experts, for delivering a strong blow to India during a recent cyber conflict. "Our young people shut down lights in stadiums, disrupted IPL matches, and even affected dams. Their skills surprised the world," he said. He added that the recent military operation Bunyanum Marsoos was a turning point, both strategically and for national morale. He said Pakistan's response to Indian attacks was firm and timely. "We struck back with full force," he said. Members of parliament have called for an urgent meeting of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) to stop the Israeli war in Gaza and now in Iran. They said that the attack by Israel on Iran is an open terrorist act. They said that it is the need of the hour that all Muslim states should show their unity against Israeli aggression. (With additional input from News Desk)
