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By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has strongly condemned the drone attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates, warning that any strike on civilian nuclear facilities represents a serious violation of international law and could have catastrophic consequences for regional and global security.

In a statement issued on Monday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Islamabad stood in “full solidarity” with the government and people of the UAE following the reported attack on May 17.

“The deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities constitutes a grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, the United Nations Charter, and the principles of nuclear safety and security enshrined in the International Atomic Energy Agency statutes and resolutions,” the statement said.

Pakistan stressed that nuclear installations must never be targeted “under any circumstances,” warning that such actions could endanger human life, damage the environment, and threaten international peace and stability.

The Foreign Ministry described the protection of civilian nuclear infrastructure as a well-established international norm that must be upheld without exception.

Islamabad also urged all sides to exercise “maximum restraint” and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward lasting peace and stability.

The statement came as Pakistan intensified diplomatic contacts with regional partners amid growing instability in the Middle East.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held talks with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, both sides underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges, while the Qatari minister appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role” in promoting regional stability.

Dar also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, with the two leaders exchanging views on regional developments and ongoing consultations involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt.

The Egyptian foreign minister praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, the ministry said.

The discussions also covered developments at the United Nations Security Council and broader multilateral diplomacy. Egypt additionally commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating the repatriation of 20 Iranian and 11 Pakistani seafarers through Singapore after the vessels they were aboard were seized by the United States.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on regional and international developments, while Abdelatty renewed an invitation for Dar to visit Egypt for bilateral consultations.