Govt urges citizens to avoid travel to Iran amid escalating tensions
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
UK, France and other nations call for an immediate end to war in Gaza
LONDON: Britain and more than 20 other countries called on Monday for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and said the Israeli government's aid delivery model was 'dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity'. 'We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now,' the foreign ministers of Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, Denmark and other countries said in a joint statement. Pope speaks against forced mass displacement of Gaza civilians 'We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region.'
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pope speaks against forced mass displacement of Gaza civilians
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo, whose role in advocating for peace in Gaza has become notably stark since Israel struck the territory's only Catholic church last week, told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday that he opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians. The Vatican said Abbas, who leads the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority, had phoned the pope on Monday, three days after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called and expressed regret over the strike on Gaza's Holy Family church. Israel has said the strike, which killed three people and wounded the church's parish priest, was a mistake. The small church in Gaza has been a focus of papal advocacy for peace throughout the war in the territory. Pope Leo's predecessor Pope Francis spoke to the parish nightly. Gaza civil defence says Israeli fire kills 93 aid seekers In Monday's conversation with Abbas, Leo condemned the 'indiscriminate use of force' and any 'forced mass displacement' of people in the Gaza Strip, the Vatican said. Israel has said it wants Gazans to move to a special humanitarian zone in Gaza or leave the territory voluntarily. All mainstream Palestinian groups and neighbouring Arab states have rejected any plan that would displace them. In emotional remarks on Sunday after his weekly Angelus prayer, Leo read out the names of those killed at the church in Gaza and called for an end to the 'barbarity of war'.
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
At least 17 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks since dawn
Smoke rises from an explosion in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border on July 20, 2025. — Reuters Listen to article At least 17 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, hospital sources said on Monday. Three people were killed by Israeli shelling in Deir el‑Balah and Bureij camp, central Gaza, medical staff from Al‑Aqsa and Al‑Awda hospitals said. Al‑Shifa Hospital also reported multiple injuries after an apartment in the al‑Nasr neighbourhood, west of Gaza City, was bombarded. Israeli soldiers stand near tanks in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border on July 20, 2025. — Reuters In separate raids, five members of the Abu Taima family were killed when an airstrike struck a displaced persons' tent in al‑Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, Wafa reported. Two others were killed in a drone attack near Jabalia, northern Gaza, and two civilians died in southern Deir el‑Balah. UN pushes back amid evacuation threat The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described Israel's forced displacement order as 'yet another devastating blow,' affecting an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people and displacing at least 1,000 families. 'The newly‑designated area includes several humanitarian warehouses, four primary health clinics, four medical points, and critical water infrastructure,' OCHA said. 'Any damage to this infrastructure will have life‑threatening consequences. UN staff are remaining in Deir el Balah.' An F-15 jet releases a flare as it flies over Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border on July 20, 2025. — Reuters OCHA head Tom Fletcher wrote on X, 'We will stay to help,' warning that Israeli air strikes were 'intensifying' in Deir el‑Balah. Just spoken to @_jwhittall, our superb head of @ochaopt. He's in Deir el Balah, Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes intensifying. Surrounded by our team, and civilians we stay to help. Exceptional courage and integrity on humanitarian frontline. They are best of UN. And all of us. — Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) July 20, 2025 Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) said gunfire from Israeli tanks, snipers and other forces targeted its 25‑truck convoy at the Zikim crossing. The attack caused 'countless lives' to be lost and killed at least 79, according to WFP's X post. 'These people were simply trying to access food ... on the brink of starvation.' Smoke rises after an explosion in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border on July 20, 2025. — Reuters Chief of Staff drafts takeover plan Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has reportedly drafted a plan to intensify ground operations and 'take over Gaza,' according to Israel's Channel 12. This proposal is designed for implementation if no agreement is reached after a proposed 60‑day ceasefire and suggests gradual capture of more territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked the plan from being presented to the security cabinet and prevented further ministerial discussion, Channel 12 added. Eyal Zamir speaks at a podium [File: Handout/Israel's Ministry of Defence]
