Pakistan’s opposition to attend key security meeting amid rising terrorism threats

Pakistan’s opposition has decided to attend a high-level National Security Committee meeting of Parliament on Tuesday, marking a key political development as the country grapples with rising terrorism and security threats.

Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) met in the opposition lobby on Monday to discuss their participation. According to sources, a majority of opposition members pushed to attend, with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly supporting the move.

However, Junaid Akbar urged that the decision be made in consultation with jailed party founder Imran Khan.

The opposition has formally informed the Speaker through a letter, submitting a list of 14 members who will participate in the session.

Opposition Leader Omar Ayub will lead the delegation, which includes Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Aamir Dogar, Muhammad Bashir Khan, Sanaullah Mastikhel, Ali Muhammad Khan, Zubair Khan, Shibli Faraz, Ali Zafar, Humayun Mohmand, and Aun Abbas.

The government has called the in-camera meeting to address serious security challenges, including a surge in terrorist attacks, the volatile situation in Balochistan, and the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express train.

Parliamentary National Security Committee members will gather at Parliament House, with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq presiding over the session on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Strict security arrangements have been made for the meeting of the Parliamentary National Security Committee, and law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert, National Assembly sources confirmed.

Media will not be allowed access to the Parliament building, and no one will be permitted inside without a special invitation, sources added.

Parliament House employees have been granted leave for tomorrow. The Senate Secretariat will also remain closed, according to a notification.

Speaking to Nukta, National Assembly spokesperson Zafar Sultan confirmed that top military officials would brief lawmakers on the country’s security situation. They would analyze recent terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and outline countermeasures.

The opposition’s decision to participate signals a rare moment of political consensus as Pakistan faces an escalating security crisis.

Another U-turn?

Later in the evening, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) requested a meeting with its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan before attending a crucial in-camera national security briefing scheduled on Tuesday.

In a letter to Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub emphasized the need for consultation with Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail.

"To ensure a well-informed and constructive contribution to national security matters, consultation with our Founder Chairman and Prime Minister Imran Khan is of utmost importance," Ayub wrote.

PTI’s Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar also met with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Minister of Law, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, reiterating the demand for a meeting with Imran Khan.

According to a PTI spokesperson, Dogar insisted that a three-member delegation of PTI and Sunni Ittehad Council be allowed to meet Khan before the session.

Dogar warned that even if PTI leaders were not granted access to Khan, they would still participate in the security session and present his stance in parliament.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and the ministers reportedly assured PTI leaders that they would consult relevant authorities regarding the request.