ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Sunday briefed senior political leaders from various parties on national security amid Islamabad’s surging tensions with New Delhi.
The tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated after gunmen attacked tourists in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
Pakistan Television PTV, citing sources, reported that the in-camera session primarily focused on the prevailing national security landscape, particularly concerning relations between Pakistan and India, and its broader implications.
The participants were informed about the preparedness of the Pakistan Armed Forces during the briefing. Information regarding ongoing diplomatic initiatives and the official stance on the situation will also be shared.
The PTV citing source said, the DG ISPR warned that if aggression is imposed on Pakistan, the Pakistani forces are ready to give a befitting reply to the enemy.
Sources further said that in the in-camera session, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting also informed the political leaders about the government’s diplomatic measures and the state’s stance.
