ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating regional tensions following the US–Israel strikes on Iran and the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, the government announced an in-camera briefing for parliamentary leaders of all political parties, scheduled for today (Wednesday), to discuss the growing security concerns. The in-camera briefing will focus on the regional situation, with particular emphasis on the US-Israel assault on Iran and the ongoing skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar declared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had personally extended an invitation to parliamentary leaders and party heads to meet and devise a unified response to the situation. “There are sensitivities we must consider, and certain matters cannot be openly discussed due to the current tension in the region and our delicate relations with Muslim countries.” He reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing ties with Iran, while also acknowledging the country’s strategic relationship with other key partners, particularly Saudi Arabia, with which Pakistan has a defence agreement. He urged lawmakers across the aisle to approach the matter with caution, emphasising the importance of national security and regional stability. According to Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, the adviser to the prime minister on political affairs has been extending personal invitations for the briefing, which is scheduled for 11:30 am (March 04). He stressed that the suggestions and decisions made during the briefing would be considered in shaping the country’s future strategy. At the onset of the session, chaired by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, MPs from both sides expressed concern over rising tensions, calling for greater unity among Muslim nations and a collective regional response. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and acting chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called for an in-camera briefing to a joint sitting of Parliament to address regional conflicts involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, and the United States. Taking part in the debate, Maulana Rehman expressed concern over escalating tensions in the region, particularly the conflicts involving Iran and Afghanistan. He criticised the lack of a clear national policy and urged the government to inform lawmakers about Pakistan’s strategy on these issues. “The government must provide clarity to public representatives on Pakistan’s stance and its plans for navigating these crises.” Supporting his call, Barrister Gohar echoed the need for an in-camera briefing, stating that Parliament members should be updated on the latest regional developments. He also condemned the fact that Israel and the United States had targeted 49 senior Iranian leaders, a claim he said warranted further investigation, arguing there was no justification for the actions of Israel and the US in the region. Aneeqa Mehdi Bhatti of PML-N and Abdul Qadir Patel of PPP paid tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei’s steadfastness, with Patel urging the Muslim Ummah to unite against oppression and calling for stronger diplomatic action to halt atrocities against Muslims. Sabin Ghori of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) issued a stark warning, declaring that anyone who harbours ill intentions toward Pakistan would face severe consequences. She also highlighted reports of the Taliban seeking support from Israel and India amid the US-Israel attacks on Iran, which she said have further complicated the regional situation. PPP’s Sahar Kamran expressed condolences over Ayatollah Khamenei’s martyrdom, accusing Israel of destabilising the region and plunging the Muslim Ummah into war. She stressed that ongoing conflicts in the Gulf, where many Pakistani expatriates live, have heightened the urgency. Similarly, Shehla Raza of PPP warned of growing internal instability in Pakistan, with tensions on both borders, and urged national unity. She also commended Iran’s resilience in the face of adversity. PPP’s Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur described the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei as a tragic event, emphasising that Islamic countries, from Pakistan to Turkey, are under constant threat. “The protection of Pakistan and Turkey has become crucial.” National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned Afghanistan’s unprovoked aggression and praised Pakistan’s security forces for their swift response, labelling the attacks on Pakistani posts as “disgraceful and cowardly.” The debate in the House highlighted the gravity of the situation, with lawmakers from all sides calling for unity to secure the country’s stability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026