Pakistan Condemns “Deplorable” Strikes on Turkiye and Azerbaijan

Pakistan has expressed “serious concern” over a dangerous escalation in the Middle East following missile and drone strikes targeting Turkiye and Azerbaijan. In a series of high-level statements issued on Thursday, the Pakistani leadership reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with both “brotherly countries” and warned that such violations of sovereignty could push the entire region toward a catastrophic wider war.

The Incidents: Projectiles in Hatay and Nakhchivan

The diplomatic alarm follows two major security breaches involving Iranian-origin weaponry:

• The Nakhchivan Strike: On Thursday, March 5, an explosive drone struck the terminal of the international airport in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan’s exclave. The attack injured two civilians and damaged infrastructure. Azerbaijan has formally held Iran responsible, summoning the Iranian ambassador in Baku.

• The Hatay Missile: On Wednesday, an Iranian ballistic missile—reportedly targeting a British airbase in Cyprus used for U.S. strikes—was intercepted by NATO systems over the Eastern Mediterranean, with debris falling in the Dörtyol district of Hatay, Turkiye. While no casualties were reported on Turkish soil, Ankara has summoned the Iranian envoy to lodge a formal protest.

Unified Response from Islamabad

The Pakistani government has moved swiftly to back its allies through coordinated diplomatic channels:

• Foreign Office (FO): Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi characterized the attacks as a “clear violation of international law” and the principles of inter-state relations. He emphasized that these developments risk undermining regional peace and stability.

• President Asif Ali Zardari: In a statement from the President’s Secretariat, President Zardari expressed “deep concern” over the fragility of the regional security environment. He urged all parties to prioritize diplomatic channels, noting that further escalation “serves no country’s interest.”

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: In separate posts on X, the Prime Minister condemned the “deplorable actions” and expressed complete solidarity with the people of Turkiye and Azerbaijan. He reiterated the urgent need for “dialogue and diplomacy to uphold respect for sovereignty.”

Context: The Shadow of the U.S.–Iran War

These incidents mark the first time the ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict (which began on February 28) has spilled over into the territories of a NATO ally (Turkiye) and a key South Caucasus partner (Azerbaijan). While Iran has officially denied direct involvement, the “missile activity” has caused significant alarm across the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).