Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan condemned Iranian drone strikes on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan region as “deplorable actions,” expressing solidarity with Baku after a drone struck a civilian airport terminal and a school, injuring two.
Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the monitoring systems tracked four UAVs belonging to Iran’s armed forces, directed deliberately toward Nakhchivan.
The targeting of civilian infrastructure, an international airport terminal and a school, drew immediate outrage in Baku. President Ilham Aliyev summoned Iran’s ambassador and demanded a “clear explanation,” stating that Azerbaijan “reserves the right to take appropriate response measures.”
The Azerbaijani government further called on Tehran to issue a formal apology. Iran’s foreign ministry denied direct responsibility.
However, a Telegram channel affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the Nakhchivan strike, contradicting Tehran’s official statement.
We express our serious concern over the recent attacks on the brotherly country of Azerbaijan.
Pakistan stands firmly with the leadership and people of Azerbaijan and condemns such deplorable actions that risk further escalation and undermine regional peace and stability.
We…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 5, 2026
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan “stands firmly with the leadership and people of Azerbaijan.” He called for immediate de-escalation and urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy.
President Asif Ali Zardari also weighed in, expressing deep concern. He warned that such actions risk heightening tensions “at a time when stability and dialogue are essential,” adding that escalation “serves no country’s interest and could have wider implications for peace and security.”
The President urged all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize diplomatic channels. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also issued a formal statement expressing “serious concern” over the attacks, affirming Islamabad’s condemnation and described it as destabilizing and contrary to the principles of regional peace and the right to sovereignty of all nations.
Notably, Pakistan’s official statements carefully avoided directly naming Iran as the perpetrator, instead condemned the “actions” and urged “all parties” to exercise restraint.
The careful choice of words reflects the difficult situation Pakistan finds itself in, navigating its complex relationship with Tehran while upholding deep historical and diplomatic ties with Baku.
