Pakistan stands in 'solidarity' with Iran after Israeli strikes

Leading Pakistani officials said the country stands in "resolute solidarity" with the people and government of Iran following Israeli strikes on military and nuclear targets.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community and the United Nations to take "urgent and credible steps" to put an end to "Israel's aggressive behavior and its illegal action", on June 14, a day after the strikes on Iran.

Sharif said this during a phone call with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement released by the Pakistani PM's office.

"The Prime Minister denounced Israel's blatant provocations and adventurism as a grave threat to regional and global peace and stability," said the statement.

"He stated that Pakistan was fully committed to promoting peace in the region and stood ready to play its role in this context."

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

The attacks killed several key figures, including nuclear scientists and high-ranking military officials, sparking concerns over the possibility of a broader regional conflict.

"We unequivocally denounce these blatant provocations, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications," Ahmad told a UN Security Council briefing on June 13.

"Iran has the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter," he added.

Pakistan earlier advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and neighboring Iraq amid heightened regional tensions following the Israeli airstrikes.

"In view of the evolving security situation in the region, pilgrims from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released on June 13.

At the same time, Sharif directed concerned government agencies to provide full support to Pakistani citizens currently in Iran.

Xinhua contributed to this story.