Pakistan holds high-level security and foreign policy briefing amid Middle East tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s leadership convened a high-level briefing at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday to discuss the country’s security posture and foreign policy in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, sources familiar with the matter said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly briefed the heads of political parties and parliamentary leaders on the evolving situation, while also updating key officials on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Middle Eastern countries.

According to sources, Foreign Office officials outlined Pakistan’s balanced stance on the Iran-Israel conflict, noting the country’s efforts to reduce the intensity of regional hostilities. Pakistan has also sought to maintain dialogue with Gulf and Arab nations, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar briefing participants on the state of bilateral relations.

The briefing highlighted Pakistan’s immediate condemnation of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and the recent attacks on Iranian territory. Officials detailed ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and Gulf countries, which Islamabad considers a top regional priority.

In addition to Middle East developments, participants were updated on the ongoing operations against the Afghan Taliban regime along Pakistan’s western border, signaling Islamabad’s continued focus on domestic and regional security simultaneously.

Sources said that Pakistan is pursuing a careful, balanced approach, seeking to mitigate regional conflict while maintaining strong relations with both Iran and the Gulf states.