Resolution

Pakistan's defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, will Pakistan remain neutral in a war between Iran and Saudi Arabia?
The scope of attacks that began on February 28, 2026, between the United States, Israel, and Iran has expanded into a regional war, raising questions about Pakistan’s foreign policy as well as its defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. On Saturday morning, after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, Tehran retaliated by firing missiles at targets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The primary targets of Iran’s retaliatory strikes are U.S. military bases located in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia. Since the conflict began, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones toward its Arab neighbors. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said during a press briefing on Tuesday that “all red lines have already been crossed. Under the current circumstances, Pakistan faces significant challenges. On one side is its neighboring Muslim country Iran, while on the other side are Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states such as Qatar, with which Pakistan maintains defense agreements and strong relations. These are also the countries that have supported Pakistan during its fragile economic situation. While Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, after Iran targeted U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also assured Saudi Arabia that Pakistan will stand with the Kingdom at all times and in every difficult moment. Pakistan’s balanced policy statements are being criticized by some as “riding two boats at once.” Questions are also being raised about what problems Pakistan could face if its defense agreement with Saudi Arabia forces it to take up arms against Iran. Ishaq Dar’s Policy Statement After the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel and the retaliatory strikes across different countries, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a policy statement. He said Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, and despite positive progress in nuclear negotiations, Iran was still attacked. He stated: “When Iran was attacked, Pakistan openly condemned it.” He added that Pakistan had also secured assurances that Saudi territory would not be used for attacks against Iran, and that misrepresenting Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts domestically is inappropriate. Speaking in the National Assembly, Ishaq Dar said: “You have seen that the reaction against Saudi Arabia and Oman has been relatively limited.” He added: “The government has made every effort to promote negotiations. We are fully on board. I am in direct contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi; we don’t need the Foreign Office to communicate.” He further said: “We supported the resolution in the UN Security Council that called for lifting sanctions on Iran. Pakistan was thanked in Iran’s parliament. On February 28, we called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council and condemned the attack on Iran there, expressing solidarity with Iran alongside Arab countries.” In another statement, Ishaq Dar said: “It was claimed that Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries targeted U.S. bases, but according to details, airports and infrastructure were also targeted, and a Pakistani citizen was killed. If Iran had not done this, we could have formed a stronger joint voice with these countries.” It should be noted that after reports that U.S. military bases were targeted in Iran’s retaliatory attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by phone and strongly condemned both Israel’s attack on Iran and the subsequent attacks on some Gulf countries. Pakistan’s Energy Security Could Be Affected Experts say that if this war continues for a long time, Pakistan may eventually have to take a clearer position, which will not be easy. How Could This Situation Create Problems for Pakistan? International affairs analyst Dr. Qamar Cheema said: “Pakistan’s energy security could be at stake in this situation. Many of our energy needs are fulfilled by Iran, while others are met by Saudi Arabia. This is a major challenge.” He added: “Our military is already busy dealing with terrorism related to Afghanistan. At the same time, we have a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and are also engaged in peace initiatives. Managing attention on multiple fronts could create additional challenges for Pakistan.” Journalist and anchor Asma Shirazi said: “So far, Pakistan has maintained its position as a neutral state, which has been a successful policy.” She added: “Whether it was the attack on the UAE or on Iran, Pakistan condemned both. So far, Pakistan’s foreign policy appears balanced, but challenges lie ahead.” According to her: “It is like a bridge that Pakistan must cross. In other words, Pakistan is walking on a very thin line with a deep abyss on both sides.” Pakistan’s Economy Could Force It to Lean Toward One Side Former ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry said Pakistan has close relations with Saudi Arabia, while Iran is a neighboring country with deep cultural ties. As indicated in statements by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pakistan is also trying to facilitate peace between the two countries. He said: “Pakistan is telling Iran not to attack Saudi Arabia and is obtaining assurances from Saudi Arabia that its land will not be used for attacks against Iran. This is a commendable role because Pakistan is a friend of both countries. That is what friendly countries do.” So what could force Pakistan to lean toward one side? According to Asma Shirazi, Pakistan’s economic condition may play a decisive role. “Our economy has been under continuous pressure, and economic realities are defining our defense requirements. Ideally Pakistan should maintain a balanced policy, but it may become difficult if Iranian attacks on the UAE continue.” She added: “Only Pakistan’s economy could force it to lean toward one side, though it should not happen. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran are important for Pakistan, especially for internal stability and to avoid sectarian tensions within the country.” She said it appears that Pakistan does not want to anger either Iran or Saudi Arabia. She also noted: “Saudi Arabia is fully aware of Israel’s objectives, and it seems unlikely that Saudi Arabia would take any extreme step knowing this.” Pakistan Will Stand With Saudi Arabia at All Costs Pakistan also has an important defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. In this situation, what options does Pakistan have? Analyst Qamar Cheema says Pakistan’s position is very clear. He disagrees with the idea that Pakistan is trying to balance two opposing sides. “Pakistan will not lean toward one side. If Pakistan takes a position, it will be based on international law or existing agreements, which is what we are seeing now.” He added: “Pakistan maintained friendship with Iran, but when it comes to Saudi Arabia, we have a defense agreement. Pakistan will stand with Saudi Arabia at all costs.” He said: “So far the attacks on Saudi Arabia have been in the context of U.S. bases. But if Saudi territory, infrastructure, or government assets are attacked and Saudi Arabia asks for support, Pakistan will not step back from its agreement.” According to him: “Iran and the rest of the world know that Pakistan has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. That is why Iran carried out very limited attacks on bases in Saudi Arabia, because Iran had already been warned that harming Saudi Arabia could force Pakistan to join the war under the agreement.” Responding to the same question, Asma Shirazi said: “The defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan means that if at any moment Saudi Arabia asks for support, Pakistan has the option to respond.” Iran Is Not Saudi Arabia’s Enemy Former ambassador Asif Durrani said the Iran-U.S.-Israel war is not only challenging for Pakistan but is affecting Gulf countries, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. According to him: “In the context of Iran, realistic thinking is needed regarding the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. We stand with Saudi Arabia, but Iran is not Saudi Arabia’s enemy.” It should be remembered that in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations through Chinese mediation. After the restoration of ties, delegations from both countries continued dialogue. In May, Saudi Arabia openly condemned Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. According to Asif Durrani: “The real issue is the United States and its military bases being used, while Israel is exploiting the situation. It would not be surprising if attempts were made to provoke conflicts between Iran and Saudi Arabia or Iran and the UAE or Oman, possibly through incidents like pipeline or hotel attacks.” He said Pakistan has also raised the issue at the UN Security Council, expressing concern and warning against imposing unacceptable conditions. He added: “We already have a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, the agreement came shortly after Israel’s attack on Doha. Before that, Iran and Saudi Arabia had improved relations through Chinese mediation.” He said the Saudi reaction shows that Iran’s argument about targeting U.S. bases is considered significant in that context. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s “Mutual Strategic Defense Agreement” In September last year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Joint Strategic Defense Agreement to enhance defense cooperation and security. Under the agreement, any external aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both. The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries and enhance joint protection against any aggression, treating an attack on one country as an attack on both.
By Real content7 months ago in Chapters
The Last Heir of The Van Declaoria Bloodline - Chapter 4. AI-Generated.
It had become a familiar sound in Arlein. Water sliding across rooftops. Wind pushing against the narrow streets. Thunder rolling somewhere far beyond the city.
By Luke Dreayry7 months ago in Chapters
Loving You Taught Me How to Let Go
Loving You Taught Me How to Let Go ‎BY: Khan I used to believe that love meant holding on—no matter how hard things became. I thought that if two people truly cared about each other, they would fight through every storm together. Letting go never seemed like an option to me. It felt like giving up. Then I met you. You walked into my life on an ordinary afternoon, yet somehow everything about that moment felt extraordinary. Your laugh was effortless, your smile warm, and the way you listened made me feel like my words actually mattered. I remember thinking that day that maybe life had finally decided to give me something good. At first, everything between us felt easy. We spent long evenings talking about our dreams, our fears, and the strange twists life had taken to bring us to that moment. You told me stories about your childhood, and I told you about the things that kept me awake at night. Somehow, sharing those pieces of ourselves made the world feel smaller and kinder. I started to imagine a future that included you in every part of it. But life rarely follows the stories we create in our heads. Slowly, things began to change. It wasn’t sudden or dramatic. Instead, it happened in quiet ways. The conversations that once lasted hours grew shorter. The messages that used to arrive instantly began to take longer. Sometimes you seemed distant, like your mind was somewhere else even when you were sitting right beside me. At first, I tried to ignore it. I told myself everyone goes through difficult phases. I convinced myself that if I just loved you a little harder, if I tried a little more, things would return to the way they used to be. But love doesn’t work like that. One night, as we sat together in silence, I realized something I had been avoiding for a long time. You were no longer happy. Maybe you had been trying to hide it, or maybe I simply hadn’t wanted to see it before. But the truth was there between us, heavy and undeniable. And strangely, that realization didn’t make me angry. It made me sad. Not because you had changed, but because I finally understood something important: love cannot be forced. It cannot survive simply because we want it to. Sometimes love fades. Sometimes people grow in different directions. And sometimes the kindest thing two people can do for each other is to let go. That night, we talked longer than we had in weeks. Our voices were quiet, but honest. There were no accusations, no dramatic arguments. Just two people acknowledging that the story they once believed in was reaching its final chapter. I remember the way your eyes looked when you said goodbye. There was sadness in them, but also relief. For the first time, I realized that letting go wasn’t about losing someone. It was about respecting what once existed between us. It was about understanding that love doesn’t always mean staying. Sometimes it means stepping aside so both people can find the happiness they deserve. Walking away from you was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. For a long time, I questioned whether I had made the right choice. I wondered if maybe I should have tried harder, waited longer, fought more. But as time passed, something unexpected happened. The pain slowly turned into gratitude. Because loving you had taught me something I never understood before. It showed me that love is not measured by how tightly we hold onto someone, but by how deeply we care about their well-being—even if that means they continue their journey without us. You taught me that endings don’t erase the beauty of what once existed. They simply mark the moment when two paths begin to move in different directions. And now, when I think about you, I don’t feel bitterness or regret. I remember the laughter, the late-night conversations, and the quiet moments that made our time together meaningful. Most of all, I remember the lesson you left behind. Loving you didn’t just teach me how to care for someone. It taught me how to let go.
By Khan 7 months ago in Chapters
We Were Perfect—Just at the Wrong Time
We Were Perfect—Just at the Wrong Time BY: Ubaid People often say that if two people are meant to be together, they will eventually find their way back to each other. I used to believe that too. But life has a strange way of teaching us that love alone is not always enough. Sometimes everything feels perfect—except the timing. I met her during a time in my life when everything felt uncertain. I was trying to figure out my future, chasing dreams that felt both exciting and terrifying. My days were filled with plans, responsibilities, and the quiet pressure of becoming someone I could be proud of. She walked into my life like a calm breeze on a restless day. Her name was Emma, and from the very first conversation, something felt different. We talked as if we had known each other for years. There were no awkward silences, no need to pretend. With her, everything felt natural. Our first meeting lasted hours. What was supposed to be a short coffee turned into a long walk through the city. We talked about childhood memories, fears, dreams, and the kind of future we hoped to build one day. It was the kind of connection people spend years searching for. Over the following weeks, we became inseparable. Every message from her made my day brighter. Every laugh we shared felt genuine and effortless. For the first time in a long time, life felt simple. But beneath the happiness, there was a quiet truth neither of us wanted to face. We were both standing at important crossroads in our lives. Emma had just received an opportunity to study abroad—something she had worked for years to achieve. It was her dream, the kind of chance that could shape her entire future. And I was in the middle of building my career, trying to prove to myself and everyone around me that I could succeed. We never planned for our lives to collide at such a complicated moment. Still, we tried to ignore it. We spent evenings talking about everything and nothing. Sometimes we would sit quietly, watching the sunset, knowing that time was moving faster than we wanted it to. One night, she asked a question that changed everything. “Do you think timing matters in love?” I wanted to say no. I wanted to believe that if two people cared enough, they could overcome anything. But deep inside, I knew the truth wasn’t that simple. “Sometimes,” I said quietly, “timing is everything.” The silence that followed felt heavier than any argument. As the weeks passed, the reality we had been avoiding slowly came closer. Her departure date approached, and the conversations we once enjoyed began to carry an unspoken sadness. We tried to stay positive. We told each other that distance wasn’t impossible. That people made it work all the time. But deep down, we both understood that our lives were heading in completely different directions. The night before she left, we met at the same café where everything had started. It felt strange sitting there again, remembering how easily everything had begun. Neither of us spoke much at first. Sometimes emotions are too big for words. Finally, she looked at me with a gentle smile that didn’t quite hide the sadness in her eyes. “You know what the hardest part is?” she said. “What?” “We didn’t do anything wrong.” She was right. There had been no betrayal, no mistakes, no dramatic ending. Just two people who found each other at the wrong moment in their lives. I reached across the table and held her hand, knowing it might be the last time. “Maybe in another life,” I said softly, “the timing would have been perfect.” She laughed quietly, though tears shimmered in her eyes. “Maybe,” she said. When we said goodbye that night, it wasn’t filled with anger or regret. It was filled with something far more complicated—a love that still existed, but a future that couldn’t. For a long time after she left, I wondered what might have happened if we had met a few years later. If our paths had crossed when our lives were more stable, when we were ready for something serious. But life doesn’t work with “what ifs.” It moves forward, whether we are ready or not. Even now, I don’t see our story as a failure. Some people come into our lives to stay forever. Others come to teach us something important. Emma taught me that real connections are rare, and that sometimes love can be genuine even if it doesn’t last. We were perfect in many ways. We just arrived in each other’s lives at the wrong time. And sometimes, that small difference changes everything.
By Ubaid 7 months ago in Chapters
Is the Middle East War Turning Into World War III?
Is the Middle East War Turning Into World War III? The current situation in the Middle East has once again raised a serious question around the world: could this conflict grow into World War III? Tensions in the region have increased due to military strikes, political warnings, and the involvement of several global powers. While no country has officially declared a world war, the combination of regional conflicts and international alliances has made many experts worry about the possibility of a much larger confrontation.
By Wings of Time 7 months ago in Chapters
The Last Heir of the Van Declaoria Bloodline - Chapter 2. AI-Generated.
Morning came quietly to the edge of Arlein. The rain had stopped. But the streets were still wet, reflecting pale morning light across the narrow roads.
By Luke Dreayry7 months ago in Chapters
The Last Heir of The Van Declaoria Bloodline - Chapter 1. AI-Generated.
Alena. Just hearing her name made the cold rain feel less unpleasant. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and continued walking.
By Luke Dreayry7 months ago in Chapters
Bagram Air Base Targeted? Pakistan–Afghanistan Border War Intensifies
Clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan have entered their sixth day, during which Pakistan has claimed to have carried out airstrikes on 56 locations inside the neighboring country. Meanwhile, the Afghan Taliban claim they have foiled an operation targeting Bagram Air Base. Although Pakistani authorities have not confirmed targeting Bagram Air Base, Afghan Ministry of Defense spokesperson Enayat Khwarazmi said in a press conference that Bagram Air Base was attacked but there were no casualties. Pakistan has claimed that, in addition to “terrorist hideouts,” it has targeted military installations such as weapons depots and battalion headquarters inside Afghanistan. In a message on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that during the six days of clashes, 464 Afghan Taliban personnel have been killed, 188 checkpoints destroyed, 31 posts captured, and 192 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery guns destroyed. On the other hand, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense has claimed that 100 Pakistani security personnel were killed in cross-border attacks and that 25 checkpoints were captured. It has also claimed to have carried out drone strikes inside Pakistan. The claims made by both sides cannot be independently verified. However, some images and videos circulating on social media show damage to civilians living in border areas. So far, neither Pakistan nor the Afghan Taliban have indicated a willingness to resume negotiations to halt the ongoing operations against each other. Analysts believe that while U.S. and Israeli air operations are ongoing in Iran, Pakistan also appears to be seeking to achieve certain objectives inside Afghanistan. It is worth noting that Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban government of supporting militant groups, which the Taliban deny, describing attacks in Pakistan as its internal matter. Pakistan maintains that militants cross into its territory from Afghanistan to carry out attacks and that Afghan authorities should stop them. Afghan officials deny this and say they do not allow their soil to be used against any country. How much damage has occurred in Pakistan and Afghanistan during the clashes?
By Real content7 months ago in Chapters
AI, Nuclear Escalation, and Pakistan’s Critical Role
AI, Nuclear Escalation, and Pakistan’s Critical Role If World War III begins, it is unlikely to start with marching armies or formal declarations. Instead, it may begin silently—inside algorithms, early-warning systems, and automated decision tools powered by artificial intelligence. Nowhere is this risk more serious than in regions where nuclear weapons exist alongside historical rivalries, limited decision time, and high political tension. South Asia, especially Pakistan, sits at the center of this emerging danger.
By Wings of Time 7 months ago in Chapters
Has World War III Started?
Has World War III Started? The question “Has World War III started?” is no longer limited to academic debate or fictional movies. It is now openly discussed in newsrooms, policy circles, and online platforms around the world. While the simple answer remains no, the conditions shaping today’s global environment are deeply alarming. The world is experiencing an unprecedented convergence of regional wars, technological disruption, and power competition that closely resembles the early stages of past global conflicts.
By Wings of Time 7 months ago in Chapters
Has World War III Started?
Has World War III Started? The question “Has World War III started?” is no longer limited to academic debate or fictional movies. It is now openly discussed in newsrooms, policy circles, and online platforms around the world. While the simple answer remains no, the conditions shaping today’s global environment are deeply alarming. The world is experiencing an unprecedented convergence of regional wars, technological disruption, and power competition that closely resembles the early stages of past global conflicts.
By Wings of Time 7 months ago in Chapters
The 2026 Iranian Missile and Its Impact on Gulf Business, Travel, and Daily Life
Alia has been living in the Dubai Hills area with her husband and two daughters for the past eight years. She never imagined that even a city as safe as Dubai could come under attack. These days, she constantly hears the sound of explosions that make the windows of her home tremble and leave her young daughters frightened. Alia says, “We have never seen anything like this in our lives. The sound of the explosions is very terrifying.” She is worried about her daughters and is trying to keep them away from the windows. For the past two days, most residents of Dubai have been staying indoors. Malls and roads are almost empty, and restaurants are not as crowded as usual. The skies above the city no longer show Dreamliners or Airbuses carrying tourists and cargo in large numbers. Instead, at short intervals, ballistic missiles and drones can be seen, reportedly launched by Iran neighboring the United Arab Emirates across the Gulf toward these states. The city that residents and tourists once considered the safest in the world is now within range of Iranian missiles and drones. These attacks are being described as a response to strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. From the luxury Fairmont The Palm hotel to shopping malls, high-rise apartment blocks, and Dubai Airport the world’s busiest international passenger airport damage has also been reported. When these cities were built, no one imagined that one day they would face drone and ballistic missile attacks. A friend living in Dubai complained that, unlike Israel, there are no bunkers here where people can take shelter. And even if you are one of the richest people in the world, you cannot currently leave Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, or Kuwait by flight. For residents and millions of tourists in these Arab countries, life has changed overnight. Some people, worried, have headed toward Hatta and Fujairah. According to Alia, some of her friends who lived near military bases or sensitive areas left for Hatta and Fujairah out of concern, many of them Western nationals. Despite the continuous attacks, Alia says she is satisfied with the government’s response. According to her, the Dubai government is handling the situation effectively and is sending real-time alerts to residents. She says there is uncertainty, but people around her do not appear panicked. Hotels, restaurants, and malls are open. There are fewer people outside than usual, but overall conditions seem normal. Alia says most people in Dubai order their supplies online, though supermarkets are also open. Many stores have displayed notices stating that they have stable stock supplies. She has not stockpiled anything, except ordering slightly more water than usual. Her daughter’s school has shifted to online learning until Wednesday. One of Alia’s friends, who was traveling from Manchester to Pakistan, had to stop in Dubai due to the deteriorating situation and cannot continue her journey. However, Alia says the government has provided full assistance to her friend, including an email stating that the government would arrange visas and hotel accommodations, though for now she is staying with Alia. On March 1, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Defense announced that the country’s air defense system had successfully intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drone attacks. According to the statement, a total of 541 drones were launched, of which 506 were destroyed and 35 fell within the country. Similarly, 165 ballistic missiles were detected, of which 152 were intercepted mid-air and 13 fell into the sea. The Ministry of Defense stated that the defense system effectively countered the attacks and ensured the protection of the country’s airspace. However, independent sources have not yet confirmed these claims. As a result of these attacks, three people have been killed and dozens injured in the UAE so far. This is not the Dubai we are used to. Thirty-five-year-old Sathya Jagannathan said that her sister’s family and their pets had to take shelter in their apartment because they lived near Jebel Ali Port, where “a lot of debris was falling.” Authorities reported on Saturday that a fire broke out in part of the port due to debris from air interceptions. The port is the ninth busiest in the world. Jagannathan said, “Every few hours we hear explosions. It’s very frightening because this is not the Dubai we are used to.” Mohammad Nafea has been living in Dubai for nine years. He says the situation is largely normal. Although private businesses and companies were instructed to work from home for two days, all government offices, courts, and immigration offices remain open and functioning. According to Nafea, although air cargo operations have been halted, there is no shortage of food, and supermarkets are fully stocked. He says that among the Pakistani and Indian nationals he spoke to in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Bahrain, none appeared fearful. They trust their governments and seem satisfied with the arrangements so far. Nafea shares this confidence. He explains that if debris falls in a particular area, authorities send alerts only to residents of that specific area rather than alarming the entire city, allowing enough time for people to move to safer places. “I heard the sound of missiles, but I believe we are in Dubai. The government will keep us safe.” Danish, an Indian national who has been living in Dubai for six months and works in marketing, says he lives in BurJuman in old Dubai, where conditions are relatively normal. “I heard missiles passing over my rooftop for the first time in my life. It shook me a bit, but I knew we are in Dubai and we will be kept safe,” he says. He acknowledges the uncertainty but expresses complete confidence in the government and its measures. The UAE government has decided to cover expenses for all tourists stranded in the country. Reports suggest that some tourists stuck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are traveling by road to Saudi Arabia to catch flights from there. One of Nafea’s friends, stranded in Abu Dhabi, was allowed by authorities to leave and has reached Jeddah by road. He reported heavy crowds at the border, mostly Western nationals leaving the UAE and Qatar. According to Nafea, the Dubai government has decided to cover accommodation costs for all stranded tourists. A friend who runs an Airbnb in Dubai received an email from the government stating that all vacant hotels and Airbnb properties would provide free accommodation to stranded tourists, with the government covering the costs. The UAE government has announced that, due to airport closures, it will bear the accommodation costs of stranded tourists and travelers. In a circular to hotels, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism requested that guests unable to travel be allowed to extend their stay, with the department covering the additional costs. My daughter said, ‘Dad, let’s go back to Pakistan. Unlike Alia and Nafea, another resident, Murtaza, says the roads are completely empty, and malls were deserted over the weekend—contrary to usual scenes. He says he never imagined a rapidly developing place like Dubai could come under attack, but he praises the government’s handling of the situation and its provision of free hotels and food to stranded tourists. A Pakistani father living in the Marina area said a loud explosion late at night woke the entire household. “Both my children started crying. My daughter said, ‘Dad, let’s go back to Pakistan.’” Another woman said she has packed a precautionary bag with passports, some cash, and children’s clothes. “I never thought I would see a day like this in Dubai. We always believed we were far from any danger. Although most people report no shortages in supermarkets, some say increased buying has occasionally left shelves empty. A Pakistani youth remarked, “Fear makes people do anything.” At Dubai International Airport, there is also an atmosphere of anxiety. A family from Lahore, who came for vacation, has been waiting three days for a return flight. Their two young children fall asleep on airport chairs and wake up startled at every announcement. The father says, “Flights keep getting canceled. The children ask when we will go home. We came here for leisure, but now we just pray to return safely.” Kuwaiti citizens woke up to countless explosions. Dr. Ayesha Suleiman, who has lived in Kuwait for 17 years, says her morning began with numerous explosions. In all these years, she has never seen Kuwait under attack like this. She says earlier attacks targeted U.S. bases, but last night civilian areas were also hit, and she personally heard the explosions. Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense said that “multiple” U.S. fighter jets had also crashed in Kuwait. On the first day, some people panicked and attempted to stockpile essentials, but later stores were seen to be adequately supplied. When asked whether malls and roads are functioning normally, she says sirens are constantly sounding during attacks, including loud ones this morning, yet “our life is almost normal.” As a doctor, she continues going to the hospital, though schools and educational institutions have been instructed to operate online until further notice. Shops and malls are open, but the government has advised people not to go out unnecessarily, so fewer people are seen outside. She had hoped the situation would improve, but now it seems unlikely to settle in a few days. Flight uncertainty also persists. Her son, a student in Pakistan, was supposed to return after vacation, but now cannot. “We packed his things, but we don’t know when he will be able to come back,” she says. What is the situation in Bahrain? Another person currently on a tourist trip in Bahrain says conditions there appear normal. He mentions that the mosque in front of his house has never been empty. At every prayer time, cars arrive as usual, and the rows fill up just like on normal days. He believes people have strong confidence in their government and defense system, assuming that if attacks occur, they will target U.S. bases, with only debris falling elsewhere. He says work-from-home has been implemented and the government has also advised remote work, which may explain why fewer people are outside. There has been no visible panic buying. Interceptions of missiles are occasionally heard, and when attacks occur, the bridge connecting Manama is temporarily closed. It is worth noting that Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Gulf, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
By Real content7 months ago in Chapters