Islamabad, 01 March (H.S.): Pakistan has canceled 156 flights to the Middle East due to escalating military conflict and heightened tensions in the region.The situation worsened after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israel airstrikes, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Israel and Gulf states including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Reports indicate explosions in Dubai's Burj Al Arab Hotel and Palm Jumeirah areas.

According to Dunya News, at least 156 flights by various airlines to the Middle East were canceled amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US. Sources confirm 22 international flights at Allama Iqbal International Airport and 18 at Islamabad International Airport were axed, stranding numerous passengers.

Officials verified cancellations from Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Quetta airports to Middle Eastern destinations, with Jinnah International Airport halting all such flights for the day. Multiple Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace for security reasons, leading global carriers like Air India, Etihad, and IndiGo to suspend operations.

UN Secretary-General described the crisis as a serious threat to international peace, while Gulf tensions spiked crude oil prices. The Middle East spans 17 countries, primarily Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar