High-level meeting reviews border clashes in Afghanistan and escalating Middle East conflict amid security concerns
A high-level meeting of parliamentary leaders and representatives, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, began in Islamabad PHOTO: PMO
A high-level meeting of parliamentary leaders and representatives, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was held in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss current geopolitical tensions in the region, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
According to the statement, the prime minister briefed the leaders on the developments in the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the latest regional tensions, particularly in the Middle East and the Gulf. The session also covered Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts under the current geopolitical challenges.
The meeting included a detailed briefing to ensure that parliamentary leaders are fully informed about the country’s foreign policy approach and regional security posture, the PMO said.
Key participants included Senate Speaker Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Speaker of the Senate Syedaal Khan, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chairman Pakistan People’s Party, Bilaardari Bhutto President, Maulan Falur-Faurh, Maulan FaurhUI Union Ministers, party leaders and other parliamentary representatives from across the country.
The PMO highlighted that the inclusive meeting was aimed at maintaining transparency with all political stakeholders regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy and security measures amid regional tensions.
Read: Dar reminds Iran about Pak-Saudi defense pact
Pakistan and Afghanistan have clashed along the border since last week, when Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes. ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ was launched late Thursday following renewed clashes along the border as Afghan Taliban forces fired at several locations, prompting swift military retaliation.
Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against terrorist groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies. The border fighting has affected several Afghan provinces. The violence in recent days is the worst since October fighting killed more than 70 people on both sides, with land borders between the neighbors largely closed since.
The meeting also discussed the escalation of the conflict in the Gulf after the United States and Israel continued their military attacks on Iran, following a joint operation on Saturday that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran said schools and hospitals have also been attacked, killing hundreds of civilians.
In the initial wave of attacks, around 163 girls were killed when a school in southern Iran was hit.
Tehran responded by targeting Israel, as well as US military assets throughout the region, disrupting commercial travel, disrupting oil routes and sending global energy prices higher.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it hit more than 500 American and Israeli sites using 700 drones along with hundreds of missiles.
