The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is currently underway at Parliament House.
The in-camera session features a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation, with military leadership updating the parliamentary committee on recent developments.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, and Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, along with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI), and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) are in attendance. Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anwarul Haq and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan are also participating.
Other key figures present include Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister KP Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Additionally, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Kamran Murtaza, Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, and Senator Kamil Ali Agha are in attendance.
Speaker not happy over opposition’s absence
In his opening remarks, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed all participants, emphasizing the need for national unity and cohesion in addressing security threats.
Expressing disappointment over the opposition's non-participation, he remarked, "The country is facing serious challenges that require a united response. It would have been better if all parties had attended this critical discussion."
PM Sharif commends security forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, highlighted growing security concerns, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He reiterated that the nation stands united against terrorism, acknowledging the sacrifices made by security forces in the fight against militancy.
"Our security forces have made immense sacrifices to protect the country. We will continue to fight terrorism at all costs. It would have been better if opposition leaders had joined this crucial meeting," the premier said.
Military brass briefs committee on security developments
The meeting, which has been ongoing for more than two hours, has focused on the escalation in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan. Sources familiar with the briefing revealed the following key points:
- Foreign Involvement: The Indian intelligence agency RAW and Afghan elements are allegedly aiding terrorist groups like Fatna-ul-Kharij, contributing to unrest in the region
- Cross-Border Threats: Intelligence reports indicate that Afghan soil has been repeatedly used for planning attacks in Pakistan
- Terrorist Activities: The Jafar Express attack and the assault on Bannu's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) center were reportedly coordinated from Afghanistan, with several Afghan nationals involved
- Weapons Supply: Foreign-manufactured weapons are being used in terrorist attacks, indicating external support for militant groups
- Surge in Attacks: There was a notable increase in terrorist activities ahead of Ramadan, signaling a coordinated effort to destabilize the country.
The security briefing was supported by visual presentations, including key intelligence findings, evidence, and analysis of recent attacks. Participants were given a detailed overview of security challenges in affected regions.
Notably, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not invited to the meeting. Meanwhile, former Balochistan chief minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal, who was invited, did not attend. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members of parliament also remained absent.
PTI’s conditional participation
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has been granted permission by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Political Committee to attend the meeting, sources confirmed.
Read also: PTI opts out of national security huddle
However, the party has made its broader participation conditional on securing a meeting with its founding chairman, Imran Khan.
Speaking after a political committee meeting, PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that party members had unanimously decided not to participate unless they were granted access to Khan. “PTI will attend only if a meeting with the founding chairman is arranged,” he said.
Khawaja Asif slams PTI for boycotting meeting
Reacting to PTI’s absence, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the party’s decision to skip the national security briefing. He remarked that PTI’s actions show that their first priority is Imran Khan, rather than the security and stability of the country.
"Their motto is ‘No Khan, No Pakistan,’" Asif said. "At a time when the country is grappling with terrorism, PTI is prioritizing political gains over national security. This is nothing short of anti-patriotism," he added.
Planned operation against terror groups
Meanwhile, government sources indicate that authorities are considering launching a large-scale operation against the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant outfits responsible for recent attacks in Balochistan.
Rana Ahsan Afzal, an aide to the prime minister, confirmed that discussions are underway for a Multi-Party Conference (MPC) to deliberate on security challenges. He expressed hope that all political stakeholders would be invited to the proposed conference.