Pakistan’s top civilian and military leaders are set to convene at Parliament House on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, for a critical in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The meeting aims to address the escalating terrorism threat, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with sources indicating that a significant decision could emerge. Amid heightened security measures and political maneuvering, the session underscores the urgency of tackling the country’s security challenges, though it is not without controversy, including demands from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and calls for broader Senate representation.
Key Agenda: Tackling Terrorism in Troubled Regions
The meeting, scheduled for 11:00 AM, will bring together members of the National Assembly’s standing committees on Defence and Foreign Affairs, federal cabinet members, chief ministers of all four provinces, and leaders or representatives of parliamentary parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir will lead the briefing, focusing on the deteriorating security situation following recent attacks. A well-placed source told Dawn that a “significant decision” is anticipated, potentially reshaping the nation’s counter-terrorism strategy.
The urgency stems from a spate of violent incidents, including the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Bolan, which claimed at least 31 lives, and frequent attacks on police and security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These events have heightened public and official concern, with data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies indicating a 42% surge in terror attacks in January 2025 alone. The session will likely explore strengthening the National Action Plan (NAP), originally drafted in 2014 and revised in 2021, to address the evolving threat landscape.
Strict Security Measures: Media Barred, Phones Restricted
The meeting will be held under extraordinary security arrangements, prompted by reports of multiple threats in the federal capital. The National Assembly Secretariat has announced that media personnel will be barred from Parliament House for the day, an unusual step even for in-camera sessions. “The press cards issued to media personnel will be rendered ineffective on Tuesday, the 18th March 2025,” the statement clarified. Additionally, mobile phones will be prohibited inside the National Assembly Hall to ensure confidentiality.
These measures reflect the gravity of the security situation and the sensitivity of the discussions. The presence of senior government and military leaders, including cabinet members and provincial chief ministers, underscores the high stakes, with surrounding areas of Parliament House also fortified to prevent any breaches.
PTI’s Conditional Participation and Demand to Meet Imran Khan
The PTI, led by incarcerated founder Imran Khan, has confirmed its participation in the meeting, with spokesperson Sheikh Waqqas Akram stating the party will provide input on the security situation. However, the party has attached a condition: it seeks a prior meeting with Imran Khan, currently held at Adiala Jail. In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, PTI leader Omar Ayub emphasized that consulting Khan is “of utmost importance” to align the party’s position on national security matters.
This demand has met resistance from the government. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the idea of inviting Khan to the meeting, urging PTI to prioritize national interest over personal agendas. “All political forces should be united on the security of the country,” Asif said, calling for PTI to play a constructive role. He also highlighted the need to restore public confidence in Balochistan by addressing local grievances and strengthening ties with tribal leaders, a sentiment echoed by calls to resolve the province’s sense of deprivation.
The PTI’s stance reflects ongoing tensions with the government, exacerbated by Khan’s imprisonment since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption. The party’s insistence on consulting him suggests a strategic move to maintain influence, though it risks further straining relations with the ruling coalition.
Call for Senate Representation and a Revised National Action Plan
Former Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, a PPP leader, has advocated for including Senate standing committees on Defence and Foreign Affairs in the debate, arguing that the upper house, as the “house of federation,” must represent Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa effectively. He stressed the need for a new NAP, noting that the current plan, last updated in 2021, is outdated given the drastic changes in the security landscape. Rabbani called for addressing Balochistan’s feelings of deprivation, lack of control over natural resources, and political autonomy to achieve lasting peace.
This push for Senate involvement highlights a broader debate about federal representation in security policymaking, especially as provinces bear the brunt of terrorist activities. The inclusion of upper house perspectives could broaden the discussion, though it may also complicate consensus-building given political divides.
Context and Challenges
The meeting follows a series of high-profile attacks, including the Jaffar Express incident, where 33 militants were neutralized after a complex operation, and ongoing violence linked to Afghan-based groups, as noted by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations. The government’s resolve to draft a national policy against terrorism, as hinted by recent statements, aligns with the session’s objectives, but political friction—particularly PTI’s demands—could hinder progress.
Critics question whether the exclusion of media and the rushed scheduling (postponed from Ramadan) signal a lack of transparency or an attempt to control the narrative. The PTI’s conditional participation and the Senate’s push for inclusion further complicate the process, raising doubts about whether a unified strategy can emerge. Historically, security meetings have struggled to bridge civilian-military divides, and this session’s outcome may hinge on navigating these tensions.
What to Expect
While the exact nature of the “significant decision” remains unclear, possibilities include a revised NAP, enhanced military deployment in troubled regions, or new diplomatic initiatives with Afghanistan to curb cross-border terrorism. The presence of provincial leaders and parliamentary representatives suggests a collaborative approach, but PTI’s stance and Senate demands could delay or alter the outcome.
Fans and analysts are encouraged to follow official updates from the National Assembly or trusted news outlets, as real-time developments may shift the agenda. The meeting’s success will depend on balancing security imperatives with political sensitivities, a challenge that has long tested Pakistan’s governance.
Final Thoughts
As Pakistan grapples with a rising tide of terrorism, the national security meeting on March 18, 2025, represents a critical opportunity to forge a cohesive response. With strict security in place, media restrictions, and political undercurrents swirling around PTI and Senate representation, the session is poised to be a defining moment. Whether it yields a robust strategy or succumbs to internal divisions remains to be seen. Stay tuned to Today Pakistan News for the latest updates as this story unfolds.
