Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited parliamentary leaders and party heads for an in-camera briefing tomorrow to discuss the escalating Middle East crisis following the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The briefing comes amid ongoing US-Israel strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US bases across the region.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that all political leadership had been summoned to discuss national and regional security, emphasizing that politics must be set aside because Pakistan maintains relations with Iran while holding a defence pact with Saudi Arabia. Invitations are being extended by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, and the meeting is scheduled for 11am.
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During the National Assembly session, lawmakers condemned the attacks on Iran, expressed solidarity with its people, and paid tribute to the late Khamenei. Prominent parliamentarians, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Aniqa Mehdi, Abdul Qadir Patel, Hameed Hussain, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Sehar Kamran, and Syeda Shehla Raza, called for unity among Muslim nations to confront common regional challenges.
The killing of Khamenei has heightened instability across the Middle East, prompting Pakistan to urge de-escalation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with regional partners, describing the situation as “extremely delicate” and emphasizing efforts to reduce tensions.
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Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported that drones attacked the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a minor fire. The Saudi defence ministry said eight drones were intercepted near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. US CENTCOM confirmed American forces have destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard targets in response, highlighting the intensifying regional conflict that Pakistan aims to monitor and mediate through dialogue.