ISLAMABAD: Ex-army chief General (retired) Raheel Sharif called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday to discuss the regional security environment and counter-terrorism measures taken by a Saudi-led coalition.
Sharif currently serves as the top commander of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) which was formed in December 2015.
The prime minister, for his part, reiterated that his administration wanted to bring enduring peace and stability to the country by supporting various peace initiatives at the regional level. He also emphasized greater regional cooperation to eradicate violence and extremism.
Earlier in the day, Sharif met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. The minister applauded the IMCTC for making substantial contributions to the security of the region.
The coalition, which had 34 members initially, is comprised of 41 now. Sharif, who played a vital role in Pakistan’s war against religious militancy, was nominated as its first commander-in-chief after his retirement, and the coalition has since been striving to eradicate terrorism from the Muslim world under his guidance.
Raheel Sharif briefs PM Khan on counter-terrorism measures
Raheel Sharif briefs PM Khan on counter-terrorism measures
- Chief of Saudi-led coalition also discussed the regional security environment
- Premier reiterates support for peace and stability
Pakistan PM briefs parliamentary leaders on Middle East tensions, Afghanistan fighting
- Leaders of major parties attend meeting on regional security and Pakistan’s military campaign
- Government is expected to update lawmakers on diplomatic efforts amid Gulf conflict escalation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday started briefing leaders of parliamentary parties on rising regional tensions, including fighting along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the escalating war in the Middle East, according to a statement by his office.
The meeting comes as Pakistan has intensified military operations against the Afghan Taliban and militant groups targeting its civilians and security forces along its western frontier while the wider region faces growing instability after recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent attacks across the Gulf.
Sharif decided to convene the session to update political leaders on the security situation and Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach as tensions spread across the region.
“The prime minister will take parliamentary leaders into confidence regarding the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation and the recent tensions in the region, particularly in the Middle East and the Gulf,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.
“The meeting will also highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the recent escalation,” it added.
Representatives of major political parties, including the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and other parliamentary groups are attending the meeting.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory, allegations Kabul denies. Islamabad says it has targeted militant hideouts across the border after repeatedly raising the issue with Afghan officials.
The briefing also comes as the government closely monitors developments in the Middle East, where regional tensions have heightened concerns about energy supplies and broader security implications for the country.
