PM calls in-camera security briefing

The federal government on Tuesday decided to convene a closed-door briefing for heads of political parties and parliamentary leaders on the rapidly evolving regional security situation, including recent developments involving Iran and ongoing tensions with Afghanistan.

The high-level huddle comes amid war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance that has engulfed much of the Middle East, with Tehran striking several Gulf states with drones and missiles in retaliation.

The simmering tensions carry far-reaching implications, as a senior security official on Monday called for "internal cohesion".

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the all-important briefing, while the top military leadership is likely to join the session scheduled for 11:30 am at the Prime Minister's House on Wednesday.

In the Senate, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar announced the invitation, stating that Prime Minister's Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah had been tasked with coordinating attendance and extending person-to-person invitations.

"This is a sensitive situation," Tarar said. "We have defence agreements with Saudi Arabia and relations with Iran. In this matter, politics should be set aside — Tomorrow, the prime minister will provide an in-camera briefing to all political leadership."

He added that suggestions and decisions from participants would inform future strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also referenced the briefing in the Senate earlier, noting it would cover the Middle East/Gulf situation and Afghanistan-related issues amid "challenging times" of regional conflict.

In line with the premier's directives, Rana Sanaullah led a delegation to meet Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas at the Opposition Leader's chamber to formally extend the invitation.

"The prime minister has invited all party heads and parliamentary leaders for tomorrow's in-camera briefing," Rana told reporters. "The current circumstances demand that we rise above personal and partisan politics and demonstrate unity for national security."

However, Achakzai expressed reservations, arguing that the briefing should not be confined to select leaders.

"Our position is that the briefing should not be limited to specific individuals but given to the whole Parliament," he said. "It would be better if it is held in a joint sitting or at least in the Senate. The regional situation is dangerous and Parliament must be taken into confidence."

He added that a final decision would follow internal consultations.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said consultations were ongoing regarding the government's proposal.

"We have suggested that a session of Parliament be convened, and there is no disagreement on that in principle. However, the government believes an exclusive meeting of party leaders should take place first. Discussions on this are ongoing," he said.

He further noted that there was no rigid stance from either side but broad agreement that a parliamentary meeting should follow soon after.

"There is consensus that within a day, elected representatives of the people should be able to openly discuss the situation," he maintained.

Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed receiving the government's message, saying party consultations were underway.

Wednesday's briefing follows a high-level civil-military review on Sunday chaired by the prime minister, which assessed Gulf developments, including fallout from recent attacks on Iran, alongside Afghanistan border issues, internal threats and evacuation arrangements. Due to its classified nature, details of that session remain confidential.

PTI sets conditions

Meanwhile, PTI announced it would not attend the prime minister's meeting. The party said it would not participate in any government-called engagement unless its founding chairman is allowed to meet his personal physician.

In a formal statement, PTI said it would boycott the meeting and any future government engagements until its condition is met.

According to the statement, PTI made it clear that "until the founding chairman is allowed to meet his personal physician, we will not participate in any meeting called by the government."

The party did not provide further details about the agenda of the prime minister's meeting but categorically linked its participation to ensuring medical access for its incarcerated leader.