Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Convenes High-Level Security Meeting Amid Regional Tensions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a critical high-level meeting on Sunday to comprehensively review pressing regional and national security issues. The urgent gathering was convened in response to escalating tensions following the US-Israel attacks on Iran and the confirmed assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This development triggered country-wide protests across Pakistan, with reports indicating at least ten fatalities in Karachi alone, highlighting the volatile domestic situation.
Detailed Review of Regional Security and Evacuation Plans
According to an official statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, the meeting conducted a thorough examination of the regional security landscape. Discussions focused on implementing concrete steps to ensure peace and stability within Pakistan and across the broader region. The security situation in Afghanistan was also closely scrutinized during the proceedings, reflecting its significant impact on regional dynamics.
Senior officials provided detailed briefings on Pakistan's internal security arrangements and the ongoing measures being taken to protect Pakistani citizens residing abroad. On the prime minister's specific instructions, the Foreign Office delivered a comprehensive update regarding efforts to safely evacuate Pakistani nationals from Iran. The Foreign Office informed the meeting that evacuation operations are being actively facilitated through Azerbaijan to guarantee the secure return of citizens amidst the heightened instability.
High-Profile Attendance and Separate Consultations
The high-stakes meeting saw participation from the nation's top civil and military leadership. Attendees included Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, and Ali Pervaiz Malik. Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, along with numerous other senior civil and military officials, were also present, underscoring the meeting's importance.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a separate, focused meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the country's overall internal situation. This preliminary consultation likely set the stage for the broader security discussions, ensuring a coordinated governmental response to the multifaceted challenges arising from the regional crisis and its domestic repercussions.
