The foreign ministry has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to leaves Lebanon and avoid travel to the country until further notice due to the current security situation in the region.

“All Pakistani nationals presently residing in Lebanon are advised to leave Lebanon while commercial flights remain available. Those staying in Lebanon are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially about vulnerable areas,” the FO said in a press statement on Tuesday.

The advisory comes in the wake of recent developments, with the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon engaging in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces in support of its ally, the Palestinian group Hamas. This escalation was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which led to the outbreak of the latest Gaza war.

The FO has provided contact information for the Embassy of Pakistan in Beirut, urging Pakistani nationals to stay in touch with the mission. The embassy can be reached at the following cell/WhatsApp numbers: +961-81669488 and +961-81815104, as well as the email address parepbeirut@mofa.gov.pk.

This travel advisory underscores the Pakistani government’s concern for the safety and well-being of its citizens in Lebanon, amidst the ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region.