Amid escalating tensions with India following the deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), senior Pakistani officials held a high-level security briefing in Islamabad on Saturday to update political leaders on the evolving national security situation.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar led the closed-door session at the PTV Headquarters. Senior leaders from a broad range of political parties were in attendance, underscoring a rare moment of national unity during a period of heightened regional risk.
“If aggression is imposed on Pakistan, the armed forces are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said during the in-camera briefing.
The security briefing came in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 people were killed at a tourist resort in IIOJK. India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the incident—without presenting evidence—and launched a series of retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking visas for Pakistani citizens, and shutting down the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
Islamabad rejected the allegations and offered to participate in a credible and transparent international investigation. In a reciprocal move, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats, canceled visas for Indian nationals (excluding Sikh pilgrims), and sealed its side of the main border crossing.
Sources said today's session centered on Pakistan’s security preparedness and its official stance in response to India’s accusations. Lt Gen Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability, while reiterating that the Pakistan Army is fully ready to defend the nation if provoked.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar briefed attendees on the government’s diplomatic initiatives and engagement with the international community to present Pakistan’s position and counter India’s narrative.
The briefing was attended by prominent political figures including PML-N leaders Khurram Dastgir and Abid Sher Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior Pervez Khattak, MQM’s Dr Farooq Sattar, JUI-F’s Noor Alam Khan, Senator Abdul Shakoor, BAP Senator Abdul Qadir, and Sindh ministers Nasir Hussain Shah, Sharjeel Memon, and Saeed Ghani, along with PML-N’s Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha.
The meeting was seen as a demonstration of political consensus and solidarity on issues of national security amid increasing regional volatility.