ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the drone attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.
“We stand in full solidarity with the leadership and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates,” PM Sharif said in a statement posted on X on Monday.
The Prime Minister called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and uphold their obligations under international law.
PM Sharif stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only effective means to achieve lasting regional peace, stability, and de-escalation.
Pakistan strongly condemns the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.
We stand in full solidarity with the leadership and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates.
We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and fulfil their…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 18, 2026
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office in a statement condemned the drone attack on the UAE Nuclear Energy Plant, calling it a serious threat to regional stability and nuclear safety.
The Foreign Office (FO) extended Pakistan’s full solidarity with the government and people of the UAE, describing the Gulf nation as a “brotherly” country and reaffirming close fraternal ties between the two states.
“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people and government of the UAE,” the statement said, underscoring Islamabad’s concern over the incident and its potential implications for regional peace and security.
🔊 PR No.1️⃣1️⃣8️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Pakistan Strongly Condemns the Drone Attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant of the United Arab Emirates
🔗⬇️https://t.co/7J7r1j6ZCH pic.twitter.com/DyMIR7bmoQ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 18, 2026
The condemnation comes amid growing international concern over the security of critical energy infrastructure in conflict-sensitive regions, with calls for strict adherence to international conventions protecting nuclear facilities.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted three drones that entered the country from the western border area.
Two drones were successfully neutralised, while a third struck a generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah facility in the Al Dhafra region, according to the defence ministry.
UAE air defences intercept 3 UAVs.
The Ministry of Defence announced that on 17th May 2026, UAE air defence systems intercepted three UAVs that entered the country from the western border direction.
The ministry said that two of the UAVs were successfully intercepted, while the… pic.twitter.com/Ca6JRwc8w8
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 17, 2026
The ministry said an investigation was underway to determine the source of the attack and that further details would be released once inquiries are completed.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan condemned the drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi.
The Foreign Minister said the incident represented a breach of international law.
UAE Condemns Terrorist Targeting of Barakah Plant Perimeter pic.twitter.com/YjnAUU6X4n
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 17, 2026
He said the UAE reserved its “full right” to respond to such attacks and to take all necessary measures to protect its security, territorial integrity and citizens in accordance with international law.
