Pakistan’s civilian, military leadership meets over national security as PTI boycotts

Islamabad (March 18, 2025) – The parliamentary committee on national security has convened for an in-camera meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The session, which addresses critical security concerns, has seen the participation of key civil and military leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and other top officials.

The meeting also includes several members of the federal cabinet and parliamentary leaders from various political parties. However, the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen (TTA), affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced its decision to boycott the session.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, along with the Director General of ISI and the Director General of Military Operations, arrived at around noon for the meeting, with additional participants continuing to arrive throughout the day. Prior to the session, the Prime Minister and Army Chief held a private discussion in the Speaker’s chamber, where they reviewed the agenda for the national security talks.

This session takes place against the backdrop of rising political tensions and discussions surrounding potential security measures. The absence of PTI representatives underscores the deepening political divisions within the country.

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PTI leader Salman Akram Raja, speaking on behalf of his party, stated that no PTI representatives, except Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, would attend the meeting. He reiterated the party’s stance against any military operation and called for the release of PTI’s founder on parole.

The boycott by PTI highlights the ongoing rift between the opposition and the ruling government, further intensifying the political discourse surrounding national security matters.