ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis on Wednesday were advised to “exercise maximum caution” while planning their visit to Iraq, after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases used by the US military.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui tweeted that the decision was taken “in view of recent developments and prevailing security situation in the region”. Pakistani must take stock of the situation and ensure extra cautions while traveling to Iraq, she added.
“Those already in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad,” said the spokesperson.
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Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier Wednesday called for United States (US) and Iran to hold dialogue and urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to play its part in de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
“Use of power will only make matters worse,” Qureshi said while talking talking to media, adding, “To settle matters, UNSC should play its part.”
The foreign minister added that Pakistan wants peace in the region and that the issue should be solved through dialogue.
“There is an entire group of people in the US who do not want to go to war [with Iran],” Qureshi said.
The statements came after Iran attacked Iraqi bases used by the US military on Tuesday night, in what US officials in Washington and Tehran said was the first act of the Islamic republic’s promised revenge for the US killing of a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.
“There were no reports of casualties according to initial reports,” Qureshi said. “The Iranian foreign minister has also said he does not seek escalation or war.”
Read more: Pakistan will not become a party to US-Iran crisis: Qureshi
