Tazeen Akhtar
National Security Committee of Pakistan has openly condemned the Israeli aggression against Iran but did not name USA while expressing ” concerns ” over the potential for further escalation due to US attacks. The committee termed the attacks as violation of the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), relevant international law, and the UN Charter.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) today to review the evolving regional situation following Israeli aggression against Iran.
Field Marshal , COAS General Asim Munir, National Security Advisor and DG ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were present in the meeting. They recently visited Washington when Field Marshal was invited by President Trump to lunch.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar was not present in the meeting. He was represented by his second in command. No reason has been shared why the Air Chief is not available while any of his engagement abroad is not known in Pakistani media.
The body language of the participants of the meeting was clearly showing their concerns on rapidly evolving and developing situation around Pakistan creating challenges of security and erasing chances of indifference or neutrality.
Pakistan public is already busy in a gossip and hear say about the meeting of the military and security command with President Trump during Israeli aggression and only a few days before US attacks on Irani Nuclear Facilities.
Pakistanis do not remember that couple of weeks ago, the military command was with Prime Minister in Iran visit. The public questions why the Prime Minister was not with military command in Washington visit.
The Committee strongly condemned Israel’s acts of aggression and expressed regret that these military attacks coincided with a constructive negotiation process between Iran and the United States.
These reckless actions have escalated tensions, threatening to ignite a wider conflict and diminishing the opportunities for dialogue and diplomacy. The NSC reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense as enshrined in the UN Charter.
The Committee conveyed condolences to the Government and people of Iran on loss of innocent lives and prayed for the recovery of injured.
While reiterating Pakistan’s stated position, the NSC expressed grave concern over the potential for further escalation after the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22 which violated the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), relevant international law, and the UN Charter.
The NSC also reaffirmed Pakistan’s close engagement with relevant parties and endorsed its readiness to further continue efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
The NSC called on all relevant parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the UN Charter. The Committee underscored the need of adhering to international human rights and humanitarian laws.
The options for Pakistan are narrowing with the passage of time and that is the most disturbing element in this episode of regional confrontation and US intervention as a party. Pakistan wants a position that is acceptable for both sides , Iran and USA. Here comes the question what position China and Russia are taking ? If they support Iran, not only with Rhetoric statements but with Concrete Actions, Pakistan will definitely have to make its stand clear , here or there, with who?
