Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday emphasised the need to respect the sanctity of diplomatic premises and urged restraint from both protesters and law enforcement authorities, saying such facilities were protected under international law.
Speaking in the Senate while responding to remarks by the opposition leader, Tarar said embassy buildings and diplomatic missions were considered the territory of the respective country under international law and must therefore be treated with utmost respect.
He noted that the issue required careful handling and called for restraint from all sides.
“Diplomatic premises are treated as the territory of the respective state, which is why the country’s flag is flown over them,” he said, adding that both demonstrators and authorities should remain mindful of the sensitivities involved.
The minister said the government had consistently pursued a policy of de-escalation in the region and had taken swift diplomatic steps following the recent developments.
He told the Senate that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi within two hours of the incident to discuss the situation and prevent the dispute from spreading further.
The law minister said the government was closely monitoring the evolving regional situation and working to maintain stability.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was holding multiple meetings daily to review developments relating to Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf region.
According to the minister, a crisis cell had also been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan) to monitor developments and coordinate the government’s response.
Calling for political unity, Tarar said the country was passing through a sensitive period and urged political parties to present a united stance on matters relating to Pakistan’s sovereignty and regional stability.