PM orders nationwide security measures amid regional tensions

• Premier directs federal and provincial institutions to implement prompt, comprehensive security measures

• Condoles martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, voices concern over violation of international law

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked with safely bring back Pakistanis from Iran via Azerbaijan

• Discusses evolving regional situation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, stresses restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed all relevant federal and provincial institutions to implement prompt and comprehensive security measures in view of the current situation, state media reported.

Premier Shehbaz Sharif issued the directives while chairing a high-level meeting to review the overall security situation in the country. He instructed all institutions to carry out their responsibilities with full coordination and coherence, said a statement issued from the Prime Ministers’ Office (PMO).

The meeting reviewed the regional situation in detail and discussed the role of Pakistan and various measures to establish peace in the region.

The meeting’s participants also reviewed the situation in Afghanistan and were briefed on the country’s internal situation and security arrangements, the PMO said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and high-ranking civil and military officials attended the meeting, it added.

In light of developments in Iran, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safe return of Pakistanis in Iran via Azerbaijan, and to immediately engage with the Azeri government in this regard.

A detailed briefing was given by the Foreign Office on the safe return of citizens and informed the prime minister that steps were also reviewed to evacuate Pakistani citizens from Iran.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan are always ready to protect the country’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, noting that the armed forces are performing their duties with utmost dedication and national spirit. “The entire nation salutes our security forces for their sacrifices in the war against terrorism,” he added.

During the meeting, officials informed the Prime Minister that all security institutions remain on high alert and that necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the country.

PM voices concern over violation of international norms following Khamenei’s assassination

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the violation of international law and norms in the targeting of heads of state and government, following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a post on X, the premier said, “The government and the people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”

He further said, “Pakistan also expresses concern over the violation of the norms of international law. It is an age-old convention that the heads of state/government should not be targeted.” The Prime Minister prayed for the Iranian leader and for strength for the people of the country to bear “this irreparable loss.”

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of the Iranian Supreme Leader and other senior officials of Iran.

In a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, he said: “The president said that Pakistan stands with the Iranian nation in this moment of grief and shares in their loss. He observed that the passing of a leader of such stature, along with other senior figures, would be deeply felt across the Muslim world.” He also offered prayers for the deceased and the Iranian people.

Premier, Jordan’s King discuss evolving regional situation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke to King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan to discuss the “evolving regional situation,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The two leaders exchanged views on the serious regional developments following the recent escalation from the Israeli attack on Iran, which was followed by attacks on Jordan and other regional countries,” the PMO statement said.

“The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the situation and emphasised the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue to preserve regional peace and stability,” it added.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Jordan and other brotherly countries in the region during this challenging period. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to support all efforts aimed at restoring calm and promoting stability.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on regional developments, with the Prime Minister posting on X, “We emphasised the urgent need for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation to preserve peace and stability.”

Interior Minister briefs PM on visits to Italy and Poland

Earlier, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him on his visit to Rome, Italy, where he attended a four-nation conference of interior ministers alongside Italy, Spain, and Greece, the PMO said in a separate statement.

He also briefed the Prime Minister on a six-nation conference of interior ministers in Poland, attended by Pakistan, Poland, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania.

The minister informed the Prime Minister that at both conferences, the participating countries agreed on the issuance of work permits for Pakistanis. He added that the delegates appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to reduce illegal migration to Europe by 47% and to curb human smuggling, the statement said.

Naqvi further said that Poland and Italy would soon lift visa requirements for Pakistanis holding official passports. He informed the Prime Minister that a plan would soon be presented to the European Union to enhance Pakistan’s capacity to control illegal immigration and secure its borders. The Prime Minister praised the minister’s efforts in this regard.