The Finnish Embassy is located in Islamabad, close to the compound of the Red Mosque, which is being held by Islamist militants in defiance of government orders to surrender.
According to Finland's Ambassador, Irmeli Mustonen, there are very few Finnish nationals in Pakistan and the Embassy does not believe that those who are there are in any danger.
On Tuesday morning, as Pakistani troops launched their assault on the mosque, Mustonen sold YLE TTV News that life in the capital was continuing normally.
"The area where the mosque and school are located has been completely sealed off by the soldiers. People nearby have been asked to stay indoors, so life goes on normally, but a bit more quietly than usual," she said.
Overnight the Pakistani army stormed the Red Mosque, which had been the site of a week-long standoff. The action was aimed at putting an end to the conflict while sparing the lives of women and children, who have apparently been used as human shields. At least 40 militants and three soldiers were killed in the initial assault, while around 50 militants surrendered.
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