The government is stepping up efforts to help nationals as the crisis in the Middle East 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 developments in the region.

The Deputy Prime Minister took stock of the ongoing efforts of Pakistan’s missions abroad and their coordination with relevant departments. “All concerned must remain fully engaged and maintain close coordination, especially 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 Minister Ambassador Amna Baloch, the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority and other senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.

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

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 attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, which triggered retaliatory strikes.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notice 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 Foreign Office to ensure the safe return of Pakistanis to Iran via Azerbaijan and to immediately contact the Azerbaijani authorities in this regard.

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Since the beginning of hostilities involving the United States, 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 telephone conversations with colleagues from several Gulf states and other countries, in which he stressed the importance of de-escalation and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.