ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met on Monday to address pressing security concerns, including the recent PTI-led protests in Islamabad, which resulted in the loss of multiple lives during days of unrest.
While the government refrained from sharing specific details of the meeting, a source familiar with the discussions revealed to Dawn that the focus remained on the November 24 D-Chowk protest. The participants resolved to hold accountable those involved in violence, including attacks on law enforcement personnel and the destruction of state property.
“No leniency will be shown towards individuals responsible for killing security personnel and vandalizing public assets,” the source emphasized. The meeting, attended by senior security officials, also reviewed the escalating incidents of terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The gathering further deliberated on the renewed threat from KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who warned of another protest march to Islamabad unless PTI founder Imran Khan is released from jail. Additionally, the session observed the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School tragedy, reflecting on its significance. Security officials provided comprehensive briefings on both internal and external security challenges.
PM Shehbaz to Attend D-8 Summit in Egypt
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Cairo, Egypt, from December 18 to 20 to participate in the 11th Developing Eight (D-8) Summit. Ahead of the summit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan at the 21st session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on December 18, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.
During the summit, the prime minister will emphasize the need for investing in youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to foster a robust, inclusive economy, create employment opportunities, drive innovation, and promote local entrepreneurship.
The PM will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the D-8 ideals and advocate for enhanced partnerships to achieve shared prosperity. Key focus areas include cooperation in agriculture, food security, and tourism, alongside initiatives for youth empowerment and financial development.
The prime minister will also attend a special session dedicated to addressing the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon, arising from recent Israeli aggression in the Middle East. He will reaffirm Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine and call for peace and stability in the region.
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz is expected to hold bilateral meetings with participating leaders to strengthen regional ties and cooperation.
