PM Shehbaz postpones Russia visit, chairs High-Level security meeting amid Regional Tensions

2026-03-01 - 19:14

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an urgent, high-level security huddle to confront what officials termed as increasingly volatile regional and internal situation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the regional (#Iran, #Afghanistan & #India) and national security situation. #ISPR Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, #COAS & CDF, and Lieutenant General Asim Malik, #Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) and... pic.twitter.com/EbutXZVMaO — Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) March 1, 2026 A report shared by state media said the emergency meeting came on heels of Pakistan’s “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” against Afghan Taliban after cross-border attacks targeted Pakistani positions along the frontier. The operation significantly heightened tensions along the border, placing the country’s security apparatus on high alert. The wider region has been thrust into chaos. On Saturday, the US and Israel carried out major strikes inside Iran, assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a move that has sent shockwaves across the Middle East. Tehran denounced the attack as illegal and unprovoked, swiftly retaliating with missile barrages targeting Israel and at least seven other countries, including several Gulf states hosting American military bases. Against this explosive backdrop, the prime minister’s meeting undertook a sweeping review of the regional crisis. The country’s top civil leaders examined Pakistan’s strategic role in maintaining peace and stability, while weighing multiple diplomatic and security measures. The rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan received particular attention, with detailed briefings on border dynamics and militant threats. Officials were also given an in-depth update on the country’s internal security posture, including law-and-order arrangements and preparedness measures in light of the escalating regional turmoil. Adding another urgent dimension, the meeting reviewed efforts to evacuate Pakistani nationals stranded in Iran as tensions mount. The Foreign Office presented a comprehensive briefing on repatriation operations, confirming that evacuation is being facilitated through Azerbaijan to ensure their safe return home. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz postponed his highly anticipated official visit to Russia. Prime Minister’s Office described the trip as “of great significance” for advancing bilateral relations but said the prevailing regional and domestic situation necessitated a delay. A new date will be finalized after mutual consultations. Russian media had reported that the visit was scheduled from March 3 to 5. With cross-border operations underway, missile exchanges rocking the Middle East, and diplomatic schedules upended, Pakistan now finds itself navigating one of the most precarious regional landscapes in recent memory.