Pakistan’s opposition snubs key security meeting amid rise in terror attacks, insists on Khan’s release

Pakistan’s main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), refused to attend a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, demanding that its jailed leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan be included in key discussions.

The government had convened the in-camera session of a parliamentary panel on national security to address rising terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces and police have been targeted.

In recent days, multiple police stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came under attack, though authorities successfully repelled the assaults.

Last week, separatist militants hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, taking hundreds of passengers hostage. The military conducted a two-day operation to secure their release.

The federal government invited political leaders to discuss these growing security threats. Initially, the PTI signaled it would participate, but later requested a meeting with Khan, who remains in detention, before making a final decision.

'Not in favor of any military operation'

At a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, PTI leaders formally announced their boycott of the session.

"We are not in favor of any military operation at this time," PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said. "Imran Khan should be released on parole so he can attend these crucial meetings."

Sahibzada Hamid Raza criticized the government’s handling of the situation, arguing that leaders from the most affected regions should have been consulted first. "You cannot gain public support without taking Imran Khan into confidence," he said, urging negotiations over military action.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan revealed that he had written to the Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, requesting permission to meet Khan before the session.

"Despite my request, I was not allowed to meet our leader," he said, adding that other security meetings have also been called on short notice.

PTI leaders emphasized that the party’s political committee had debated whether to attend but ultimately decided against it.

While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will attend in his official capacity, PTI insisted this does not mean the party is formally represented.

Govt criticizes PTI’s boycott

Reacting to PTI’s decision, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused the party of prioritizing Imran Khan over national security.

"By refusing to attend this crucial meeting, the PTI has proven that Imran Khan is their only priority," Asif said on X. "For them, the safety and security of Pakistan do not matter. Their slogan is ‘No Khan, No Pakistan.’"

He criticized the PTI for what he called "self-serving politics" at a time when the country faces a surge in terrorism.

"Pakistan is burning in the fire of terrorism, and the PTI is busy playing politics for its own interests," Asif said. "What could be a greater act of hostility toward the nation than this?"