Civil-military huddle at ISI headquarters amid key regional developments appreciated ‘tireless efforts of ISI’ for national security, sa

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Civil-military huddle at ISI headquarters amid key regional developments​

PM Imran Khan appreciated ‘tireless efforts of ISI’ for national security, says official statement

ISLAMABAD:
The country’s top civil and military leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters in Islamabad and received briefing on matters related to national security on Sunday.

The rare huddle came against the backdrop of a host of developments taking place in the region that may have implications for the country.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood were accompanied by the PM during his visit to the headquarters of country’s premier intelligence agency.

ISI DG Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid received the prime minister, federal ministers and other senior military officials, said an official statement issued here.




As per the statement a comprehensive briefing was given to "national and military leadership on the regional and national security situation."

PM Imran, the communiqué said, appreciated "tireless efforts of ISI" for national security and expressed his satisfaction over professional preparedness.

No further details were provided but observers believe the high level huddle might have been prompted by the recent developments in the region that may have repercussions for Pakistan.

FM Qureshi, who returned from Niger after attending a two-day meeting of OIC foreign ministers, is believed to have briefed the meeting about his interaction with the Saudi foreign minister.

The matters of concern for Pakistan include the warming of ties between Israel and Arab countries. Pakistan, although, has denied it is under any foreign pressure to recognise Israel, the changing dynamics may push Islamabad to at least review different options.

The recent assassination of top nuclear scientist of Iran allegedly by Israel is another development that may further complicate Pakistan's foreign policy challenges.

The killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, analysts fear, may stoke a new wave of tensions in the already volatile region.

John Brennan, the former CIA chief, termed the assassination of Fakhrizadeh as "criminal and reckless act" which may lead to a war in the region.

Any conflict between Iran and Israel as well as its allies will have direct implications for Pakistan. It may also undermine the ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan.

The current tense situation at the Line of Control (LoC) is another issue that must have come under discussion during the huddle at the ISI headquarters.

India has in recent months stepped up ceasefire violations along the de facto border and Pakistan fears this situation may further escalate in coming weeks.

Civil, military leaders meet at ISI headquarters | The Express Tribune

Rare meeting takes place against backdrop of recent regional development

tribune.com.pk