ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has strongly condemned recent attacks targeting its regional allies Azerbaijan and Turkiye, warning that such incidents could escalate tensions in the already volatile Middle East.
The statements from Pakistan’s Foreign Office and the President’s Office come as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance has spilled over into attacks on third-party countries in the region. Both Azerbaijan and Turkiye have close ties with Pakistan.
Officials in Islamabad said the strikes, which include a drone attack on an airport in Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan exclave and a missile incident near a Turkiye-Cyprus border area, are “in clear violation of international law.” They emphasized the need for “restraint” and called for resolving differences through “dialogue and diplomacy” to maintain regional stability.
The attacks have raised concerns in Pakistan over the expanding nature of the Iran-US-Israel proxy war in the Middle East, with Islamabad’s regional allies increasingly drawn into the conflict. Pakistan has sought to maintain a neutral stance but has close defense and economic ties with both Iran and its rivals.
Analysts say Pakistan’s statements reflect its delicate balancing act, as it seeks to avoid getting embroiled in a conflict that could have serious security and economic ramifications for the country. However, Islamabad’s strong condemnation of the attacks underscores its commitment to protecting its regional partnerships, which are crucial for Pakistan’s own strategic interests.
Going forward, Pakistan will likely continue pressing for a diplomatic resolution to de-escalate tensions and prevent the Middle East conflict from further spilling over into South Asia.
