Political leadership rallies behind unity as parties briefed on regional, internal security

• PM Shehbaz chairs in-camera briefing to discuss regional, internal security and future course of action

• Parliamentarians emphasize need for ‘unity, consensus and unanimity’ amid volatile geopolitical situation

• Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, Middle East conflict discussed in detail, with leaders reaffirm resolve to eradicate terrorism

• Pakistan’s diplomatic push for de-escalation in Iran-Gulf tensions highlighted at briefing

• PTI stays away, links participation to meeting with Imran Khan

• Dar holds calls with Egyptian, Turkish FMs on regional developments

  ISLAMABAD: Leaders and representatives of parliamentary parties on Wednesday underscored the need for “national unity, consensus and unanimity” amid the prevailing national and regional situation during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, state media reported.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the high-level meeting of parliamentary parties’ leaders to discuss the “evolving geopolitical situation” in the region, during which participants were given an “in-camera briefing,” according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of Parliamentary Leaders and Representatives of Political Parties. pic.twitter.com/wFwPOWnWOs

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 4, 2026

The PMO said the briefing began shortly after 11:30am at the Prime Minister’s House and lasted for more than two hours. The discussion “primarily focused” on the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against terrorist hideouts as well as the conflict in the Middle East.

“The meeting was given an in-camera briefing regarding the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, the hostilities in Iran, the Middle East and the Gulf, and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts,” the PMO statement said, adding that leaders of the participating political parties freely expressed their views.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پارلیمانی جماعتوں کے رہنماؤں و نمائندگان کا اجلاس شروع

وزیراعظم پارلیمانی رہنماؤں کو پاکستان افغانستان صورتحال اور خطے بالخصوص مشرق وسطی و خلیج میں حالیہ کشیدگی کے حوالے سے اعتماد میں لیں گے۔ اجلاس میں پارلیمانی رہنماؤں کو تفصیلی بریفنگ بھی… pic.twitter.com/NatBoaOpQX

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 4, 2026

The participants underscored the need for “national unity, consensus and unanimity” in the “prevailing circumstances.” The PMO said Prime Minister Shehbaz had invited parliamentary leaders to sit together and develop a collective course of action to move forward.

The statement added that the attendees appreciated Pakistan’s “diplomatic efforts aimed at peace,” stressed the need to further intensify them, and offered “recommendations for a future plan of action.” All participants reiterated their firm commitment to the eradication of terrorism from the country and lauded the prime minister’s move to take the entire political leadership into confidence.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت پارلیمانی جماعتوں کے رہنماؤں و نمائندگان کا اجلاس

اجلاس کو پاکستان افغانستان صورتحال، ایران، مشرق وسطی و خلیج میں کشیدگی اور پاکستان کی سفارتی کوششوں کے حوالے سے ان کیمرہ بریفنگ دی گئی۔ اجلاس میں شریک سیاسی جماعتوں کے پارلیمانی رہنماؤں نے… pic.twitter.com/lQxanpgTnl

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 4, 2026

While the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz extended an olive branch to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and invited it to join the meeting in view of internal and external security threats, the PTI opted not to attend, maintaining it would only participate if a meeting with its founder Imran Khan was arranged.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Maulana Fazlur Rehman were among the prominent leaders who attended the briefing.

Other party leaders included Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of the MQM-P, Abdul Aleem Khan of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Khalid Hussain Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party, and Chaudhry Salik Hussain of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q.

Senators present included PPP’s Sherry Rehman, BAP’s Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, PML-N’s Pervaiz Rasheed, MQM-P’s Faisal Subzwari, National Party’s Jan Muhammad, Anwarul Haq Kakar and Hafiz Abdul Kareem, the PMO statement said.

MNAs attending the meeting included PPP’s Naveed Qamar, MQM-P’s Farooq Sattar and Aminul Haque, and National Party’s Pullain Baloch.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasar and NA Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah were also present.

Cabinet members attending the briefing included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Public Affairs Minister Rana Mubashir Iqbal. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Burki also attended, the statement said.

‘Pakistan pushing for agreement to end Iran war’

Meanwhile, speaking to a television channel after the meeting, Rana Sanaullah shared details of the briefing, saying Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts were focused on ensuring that “this war imposed on Iran ends in some kind of agreement or understanding”.

Asked whether Saudi Arabia and Iran were in direct contact or Islamabad was acting as a mediator, he said Pakistan was facilitating communication. He added that political and military leadership were engaged with relevant stakeholders and efforts were underway to persuade Iran against attacks on Gulf countries.

Sanaullah said if attacks on Gulf states stopped and those countries also exerted pressure for peace, prospects for an agreement would improve. He said a broader strategy was being formulated, with political leaders — including former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari — offering recommendations.

He noted that engagement was ongoing to seek clarity on Iran’s concerns about Gulf territories potentially being used for strikes. He said efforts were being made to resolve misunderstandings and prevent retaliatory attacks.

Commenting on Iran and Israel, Sanaullah said Iran had the right to respond to aggression, adding that the same view was expressed by leaders in the meeting. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar were striving to ensure Iran’s response did not target Muslim and Gulf countries, warning that such escalation would weaken Muslim unity.

 ‘Operation Ghazab lil-Haq’s goals almost achieved’

Responding to a question on Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, Sanaullah said Pakistan’s strategic objectives and planned outcomes had almost been achieved and were now being consolidated.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s sole demand from the Afghan Taliban was that their soil should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. He said Pakistan sought a buffer zone that could be jointly monitored, adding that repeated refusals by Kabul and continued attacks necessitated the elimination of training centres and checkposts along the border.

He said Pakistan had no conflict with the Afghan Taliban if they refrained from such actions and recalled that Pakistan had hosted Afghan refugees for four decades and remained willing to continue providing humanitarian support.

‘PTI missed chance to break the ice’

Commenting on the PTI’s absence, Sanaullah expressed disappointment over what he termed the opposition’s isolationist approach. He recalled meeting NA Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan to invite them to the briefing.

He said PTI leaders were told that while a meeting with Imran Khan was not possible immediately, constructive engagement on national issues could create space for easing tensions. He added that Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas had shown a positive attitude, but the PTI’s political committee ultimately decided to boycott the meeting.

Dar holds calls with Egyptian, Turkish FMs

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss evolving regional developments, according to a Foreign Office statement.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty to discuss evolving regional developments.

The two leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating situation and underscored the… pic.twitter.com/2hCKBTvRqm

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 4, 2026

The two leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating situation and stressed de-escalation, restraint and adherence to international law. Reaffirming strong Pakistan-Egypt ties, they agreed to maintain close coordination and consultations for regional peace and stability.

Dar also held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Turkiye amid recent attacks.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke this evening with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan.

They exchanged views on the escalating regional situation, expressed serious concern over ongoing attacks, including the… pic.twitter.com/gFJwfx6Pau

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 4, 2026

Both sides expressed serious concern over the regional situation and underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and restraint, the statement said.