Pakistan PM Postpones Russia Trip Due To Middle East Crisis

By Shakir Husain

NEW DELHI, March 1 (Bernama) -- Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed his visit to Russia amid a volatile security situation in the Middle East.

Shehbaz is preoccupied with the evolving regional situation after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran and killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei's assassination has fuelled anger in Iran, which plans to step up retaliatory attacks on Israeli and American targets, as well as on countries hosting American military bases.

There were pro-Iran protests in several places in Pakistan and India on Sunday following the news of Khamenei's killing.

"The Government and the people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei," Shehbaz said on X.

"Pakistan also expresses concern over violation of the norms of international law. It is an age old convention that the Heads of State/Government should not be targeted," he said.

Nine people died in Karachi city after protesters stormed the American consulate building on Mai Kolachi Road.

Demonstrations were also held in Islamabad and Lahore.

A United Nations ⁠mission office in Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region was set on fire by Shia protesters.

Across the border, protests were held in Srinagar and Kargil.

Officials from the Prime Minister's Office cited in Pakistani media reports said Shehbaz cancelled the planned March 3-5 trip due to the extraordinary situation.

Shehbaz and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have held many phone conversations with Middle Eastern officials since the crisis erupted on Saturday.

Meanwhile, regional transport services have been thrown into chaos.

A total of 350 flights operated by Indian carriers were cancelled on Sunday due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East, India's Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation is in close coordination with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support," it said.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines resumed its Middle East services on Sunday, except for Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to the news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

-- BERNAMA