Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the country’s overall security situation, directing federal and provincial authorities to immediately ensure comprehensive and effective security measures in view of the evolving regional environment.

According to an official statement, the prime minister stressed close coordination and full inter-agency cooperation.

He was briefed that all security institutions are on high alert and that necessary steps are being taken to safeguard national security.

In light of the situation in Iran, the prime minister instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan to take all possible measures to ensure the safe return of Pakistani nationals.

He directed that evacuees be brought back via Azerbaijan, and asked officials to immediately coordinate with the Azerbaijani government.

PM Shehbaz said the Pakistani nation and its armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He praised the armed forces, led by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for performing their duties with professionalism and national resolve, and paid tribute to security forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Senior federal ministers, provincial chief secretaries, inspectors general of police and senior officials attended the meeting.