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.

Fazlur Rehman criticises PTI’s absence

During the Parliamentary Committee on National Security meeting, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed disappointment over PTI’s absence, stating that had they consulted him, he would have advised them to attend.

He emphasised his long-standing commitment to the country since 1988 and reiterated that national interest should come before political differences.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also stressed the importance of policy continuity in state affairs, warning against Pakistan’s involvement in foreign wars. He criticized the decision to join the U.S.-led war after 9/11, calling it a mistake that brought significant losses to the country. Referring to Pakistan’s past conflicts, he stated that the state should not become a part of anyone else's war and highlighted the adverse effects of engaging in the war against Afghanistan.

He further commented on the sacrifices of religious scholars and Mujahideen, clarifying that both narratives—whether his teacher was a martyr or the Mujahideen who killed him were right—cannot coexist. “I will always call my teacher a martyr,” he asserted.

Bilawal wants strong diplomatic action against terrorism

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on National Security meeting chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, emphasized that Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorists.

He warned that the fire of terrorism spreading in Pakistan could also reach neighboring countries, urging regional stakeholders to take the threat seriously.

Bilawal stressed the need to identify those financially supporting terrorism and called for raising the issue at a diplomatic level with greater intensity.

He insisted that the Afghan government's role must be exposed globally, as the international community cannot afford to ignore the rising threats from this region.

He further highlighted the urgency of strengthening Pakistan’s foreign policy, ensuring that global powers remain engaged with the security challenges affecting the country and the region. "The world cannot isolate itself from these issues," he remarked, urging a proactive and strategic approach to tackling terrorism.

Mohsin Naqvi absent from key huddle

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was absent from the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. According to sources, the Interior Minister could not attend the meeting due to being abroad.

Naqvi’s name was included in the list of participants for the National Security Committee meeting, but he remained absent. Sources revealed that he had traveled to Dubai to attend the closing ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy. Following the event, his health deteriorated, and he has been staying in Dubai for medical reasons.

According to sources, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to return home this evening.

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.