The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday it is in constant contact with Nepali nationals, including students, in Pakistan as tensions rise between India and Pakistan.

In a statement, the ministry said the government remains “fully alert” regarding the safety of its citizens following escalating hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The ministry urged Nepali citizens needing urgent assistance to contact the embassy in Islamabad. Third Secretary Vrinda Subedi Khadka can be reached at +92 331 3293119, and Arsalan Mehmood at +92 340 5177421. The embassy can also be contacted via email at [[email protected]].

In retaliation for the killing of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, in India’s Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, Indian armed forces on Wednesday night launched several airstrikes on nine “terrorist infrastructures” on the Pakistan side.

The Pakistani army also fired missiles in response and vowed to retaliate against the Indian attack.

Nepal has called for de-escalation as a measure towards peace. Amid growing calls to clarify its stand on terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday and reiterated its “resolute stance against all forms of terrorism”. 

Earlier in the afternoon, Speaker Devraj Ghimire had drawn the government’s attention to the need for ensuring the safety of Nepali nationals residing in India and Pakistan, in view of the escalating tensions between the two nuclear rivals.

At the meeting of the House of Representatives, Speaker Ghimire urged the government to remain alert and make necessary arrangements to resolve any possible difficulties faced by Nepalis in the region.

Lawmakers in the meeting also stressed the need for the government to stay vigilant regarding the potential impact of the India-Pakistan tension on Nepal and to begin appropriate preparations.