Pakistan has strongly condemned the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear energy plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) said, “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people and government of the UAE.”

It added that any deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities constitutes a “grave violation” of international law, including international humanitarian law, the United Nations Charter, and the fundamental principles of nuclear safety and security enshrined in the statutes and resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“The inviolability of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international norm and must be upheld with expectation,” the statement said.

Pakistan called upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fulfil their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and avoid any action that could further escalate tensions, it added.