The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting is presently in session in Parliament House, presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
The in-camera session includes a detailed briefing on the current security situation, with military leadership informing the parliamentary committee of recent developments.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence, and Director General of Military Operations are present. Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Anwarul Haq, and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan are also in attendance.
Other notable individuals in attendance comprise Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister of KP Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, and Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Furthermore, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Kamran Murtaza, Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, and Senator Kamil Ali Agha are present.
Speaker dissatisfied with the absence of the opposition
In his introductory statements, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq greeted all attendees, underscoring the necessity for national unity and cohesiveness in confronting security challenges.
He expressed dissatisfaction regarding the opposition’s absence, stating, “The nation is confronting significant challenges that necessitate a unified response.” Attendance of all participants at this pivotal discussion would have been preferable.
Prime Minister Sharif praises the security troops.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his presentation, emphasized escalating security issues, notably in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He emphasized that the nation is unified in its opposition to terrorism, recognizing the sacrifices of security personnel in combating militancy.
“Our security forces have made significant sacrifices to safeguard the nation. We shall persist in combating terrorism at any expense. The premier stated, “The participation of opposition leaders in this pivotal meeting would have been preferable.”
Military officials inform committee about security advancements
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.