ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s embassy in Abu Dhabi announced on Wednesday it has suspended its in-consular services as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions in the Gulf following Iran’s military conflict with the US and Israel. 

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) on Saturday issued an advisory in which it suggested off-site work and recommended private sector establishments take necessary measures to prevent workers from being in open areas.

Iran has fired drones and missiles at US military assets in Gulf countries, including the UAE, since Israel and Washington launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday. Most of the Iranian missiles and drones launched at the UAE have been intercepted but some iconic buildings in the country, such as Fairmont The Palm hotel and the Burj Al Arab hotel have suffered damage. 

“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, as a precautionary measure, is temporarily suspending in-person consular services from today till further notice,” the Pakistani embassy said in a circular. 

It cited the MoHRE’s advisory as the reason for suspending in-consular services, adding that the suspension was taken whilst keeping in mind the safety of the embassy staff and citizens. 

The embassy said updates about the resumption of services will be communicated through its official channels “in due course.”

“Pakistani nationals are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and stay informed through official announcements,” the circular said.

Pakistan has condemned the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran and urged all sides to de-escalate tensions and resolve the conflict through dialogue.