A Pakistani national lost their life in Abu Dhabi after being struck by missile fragments during Iranian retaliation following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Diplomatic officials confirmed they are in contact with UAE authorities regarding the incident. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.
Diplomatic Guidance for Pakistani Nationals
In light of recent events, the Pakistani embassy in the UAE urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. The embassy advised all Pakistanis to rely only on official UAE government updates and verified sources.
Citizens were instructed to minimise non-essential travel, monitor flight schedules, and stay in regular contact with Pakistani missions in the region. The guidance aims to ensure safety amid escalating military activity across Gulf states.
Iranian Retaliation Across the Gulf
The death occurred as Iran launched missiles targeting Gulf nations and Israel in response to earlier US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. Iranian officials stated the operation would continue until they achieved decisive objectives.
Several Gulf nations, including Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Jordan, confirmed intercepting Iranian missiles. Bahrain reported that a US Fifth Fleet service center was struck, producing visible smoke plumes along the coast. Loud explosions were heard across Abu Dhabi, causing panic among residents and prompting shelter-in-place alerts.
Civilian Response and Precautionary Measures
Despite the warnings, many residents initially continued daily activities in Doha and other cities. After government-issued alerts encouraged taking shelter, foot traffic decreased, and streets cleared. Authorities emphasised that citizens follow safety measures and avoid unnecessary exposure to potential threats.
Fighter jets were spotted in Abu Dhabi as air defenses responded to incoming threats. The Kuwaiti and Jordanian militaries successfully intercepted Iranian missiles over their airspace, while Qatar reported coordinated missile defense actions with allied forces.
Impact on Air Travel
Global airlines suspended flights across Middle Eastern airspace as a precaution. Air traffic maps indicated near-empty skies over Iran and surrounding areas. Several airlines redirected or cancelled flights, urging passengers to confirm schedules before travel.
Regional Security Implications
This incident highlights the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran targeting Gulf states and Israel in direct response to US-led strikes. Pakistani officials continue to coordinate with UAE authorities to ensure citizen safety and maintain diplomatic channels.
The embassy stressed that verified, official information should be prioritised to prevent misinformation during this volatile situation.
