Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday evening to address the escalating situation in the Middle East following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The NSC, comprising top civilian and military leaders, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, will convene to discuss the implications of the attacks. Field Marshal Munir, recently returned from a trip to the US, is expected to brief the committee on his meetings with US President Donald Trump.

Pakistan has strongly condemned the US strikes, describing them as a violation of international law and expressing concern that the targeted facilities were under the protection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and offered condolences for the loss of life.

He stressed the need for immediate dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation, while acknowledging Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter. The Foreign Office echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and urging all parties to adhere to international law.

Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam hinted at potential retaliatory strikes against US interests in the region, citing the US military presence in the area. However, he stressed Iran’s desire to avoid drawing other Islamic states into the conflict. President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed concern, urging restraint and a return to diplomacy from all parties involved.