Islamabad: In light of escalating tensions with India, Pakistan's top military and government officials conducted an in-camera briefing for the leadership of various political parties on national security matters.
According to state broadcaster PTV, the meeting held on Sunday was attended by a significant number of political leaders. Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
Sources cited by PTV reported that DG ISPR briefed the political leadership on the preparedness of the Pakistan Armed Forces, stating that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation that desires stability in the region. However, he emphasized that any act of aggression against Pakistan would be met with a "strong and fitting" response from the military.
During the closed-door session, the federal information minister informed party leaders about the diplomatic steps taken by the government and reiterated the state's official stance on the issue.
No formal statement was released by the government following the session.
This development comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. Following the incident, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and announced the closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing.
India has also instructed Pakistani citizens within its territory to leave within 48 hours, leading to further strain on diplomatic presence in both countries. In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian flights, prompting a reciprocal move from India.
The worsening situation has led India to impose a complete ban on imports from Pakistan and halt the exchange of mail and parcels. Both countries have also barred flag-bearing ships from the other side from docking at their respective ports.
