FO urges Pakistani nationals residing in the Gulf region to remain vigilant and follow official guidelines
Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. Photo: Reuters
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) on Sunday issued an official advisory to Pakistani nationals in the Middle East and the 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.
The day before, a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was killed during the interception of an Iranian missile, following joint US and Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic which triggered retaliation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) condemned the unfortunate death, while the UAE extended its sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the Pakistani national, expressing full solidarity and emphasizing that targeting civilians and civilian objects is condemned under all legal and humanitarian standards.
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Official advice on the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf pic.twitter.com/aaIe8WhXDv
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 1, 2026
In today’s statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said it has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) 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 provide all necessary assistance. CMU is operational 24/7 and for any information or emergency assistance, please contact CMU: +92-51-9207887,” the statement said.
The government has urged Pakistani nationals residing in the Gulf region to remain vigilant and follow official guidelines issued by the host authorities.
“All Pakistani nationals residing in the Gulf region are strongly advised to exercise utmost caution, stay at home as much as possible, avoid unnecessary travel and strictly adhere to instructions and advisories issued by the respective host governments.”
FO added that emergency contact details of Pakistani embassies and consulates in the region have been made available to assist citizens in need of assistance.
A day earlier, the United States and Israel jointly launched strikes against Iran that pushed the Middle East into a new military confrontation and further dimmed hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West’s long-standing efforts to denuclearize Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated assertions that it would not seek nuclear weapons.
In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
Learn more: New strikes against Iran after US, Israeli attack killing Supreme Leader Khamenei
Iranian state media later confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in Israeli and US strikes, and announced 40 days of public mourning in the Islamic Republic.
Hours after the United States and Israel said an airstrike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the most ambitious series of attacks on Iran in decades, Iranian state media on Saturday confirmed the death of the 86-year-old leader.
U.S. President Donald Trump said airstrikes launched Saturday against Iranian targets were aimed at ending a decades-long Iranian threat and ensuring that Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon, seeking to justify a risky gamble that appears to run counter to his stated opposition to U.S. involvement in complex conflicts abroad.
