ISLAMABAD/KARACHI – The Government of Pakistan has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid travel to Iran, citing escalating regional tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The move comes as several flights to and from Pakistan were canceled or delayed on Saturday due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the advisory was released to safeguard Pakistani nationals amid fears of further escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. Officials stated that the government is closely monitoring the evolving regional scenario, and all necessary steps are being taken under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens currently in Iran.
In a proactive move, the Foreign Office has also established a crisis management cell to provide emergency assistance to Pakistanis abroad.
Flight Disruptions as Tensions Soar
Amid the rising tensions, seven flights were canceled and multiple others delayed across Pakistan’s major airports. Canceled flights included routes from Najaf to Karachi, Baku to Lahore, and Karachi to Jeddah, airport sources confirmed.
Two flights from Kuwait to Karachi operated by a foreign airline were delayed by more than six hours, while departures from Dubai to Karachi were also delayed by two hours. Flights to and from Qatar, Turkey, Dubai, and Jeddah experienced extended hold-ups due to regional airspace risks.
Aviation authorities across the region are on high alert, with airlines rerouting or grounding flights to avoid possible fallout from the conflict.
Global Travel Warnings
Pakistan’s advisory comes in the wake of similar warnings from the United States and the United Kingdom. The US State Department advised its citizens in the region to exercise extreme caution, highlighting the complex and rapidly changing security landscape.
The UK Foreign Office has also advised against all but essential travel to Israel, citing the nationwide state of emergency and Israel’s recent offensive against Iranian sites. British officials warned that the situation could escalate quickly and result in missile attacks, posing serious risks to travelers.
PM Sharif Expresses Solidarity with Iran
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed full support for Iran during a telephone conversation with newly elected Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif condemned Israel’s “unprovoked aggression” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity” with the Iranian people.
Calling the Israeli strikes a “violation of international law and the UN Charter,” Sharif emphasized that Iran has every right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
As the crisis continues to unfold, Pakistan’s authorities remain on high alert, prioritizing the safety of its nationals and maintaining communication with regional partners to manage potential fallout from the growing conflict.
