Pakistan condemns drone attack on UAE's Barakah Nuclear Plant, expresses full solidarity

Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the drone attack on the United Arab Emirates' Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, calling the deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities a serious violation of international law and a threat to global peace and security. The Foreign Office issued a formal statement expressing full solidarity with the UAE government and people following the attack on May 17.

What happened in the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant?

A drone struck an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi on May 17. UAE authorities reported no injuries and confirmed that radiological safety levels were unaffected. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions and ongoing regional conflict in the Gulf.

Why did Pakistan condemn the Barakah nuclear plant attack?

Pakistan's Foreign Office said any deliberate attack on nuclear installations constitutes a grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, the United Nations Charter, and the fundamental principles of nuclear safety outlined in the statute and resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The statement warned that such actions could lead to catastrophic and irreversible consequences for human life, the environment, and regional and global stability.

The Foreign Office stressed that the inviolability of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international norm that must be upheld without exception. Pakistan called the attack reckless and said nuclear installations must never be targeted under any circumstances.

What did Pakistan call on all parties to do?

Pakistan urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fulfil their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and avoid any steps that could further escalate tensions in the region. Islamabad also reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, remain the only viable path toward lasting peace and de-escalation. The statement was made in the context of the ongoing US and Israel war on Iran.