High-Level Security Meeting Reviews Regional Situation; PM Shehbaz Postpones Russia Visit

**Islamabad:** Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the evolving regional and domestic security situation, as his planned visit to Russia was postponed in light of current developments.

The meeting conducted a detailed assessment of the regional environment and Pakistan’s internal security preparedness. Participants discussed Pakistan’s role and initiatives aimed at promoting peace in the region, while the situation in Afghanistan was also reviewed carefully. Officials briefed the prime minister on the country’s internal law and order arrangements and ongoing security measures.

On the prime minister’s directive, the meeting also examined steps being taken to evacuate Pakistani nationals from Iran. The Foreign Office provided a comprehensive briefing, informing participants that efforts are underway to facilitate the safe evacuation of Pakistani citizens via Azerbaijan.

The session was attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar and Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials.

Earlier, it had been indicated that the prime minister’s Russia visit might be rescheduled due to the regional situation and disruptions to air operations. The visit has now been formally postponed.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who briefed him on his participation in key European engagements. These included a four-nation interior ministers’ conference in Rome attended by representatives from Pakistan, Italy, Spain and Greece, as well as a six-nation meeting in Poland involving Pakistan, Poland, Latvia, Finland, Estonia and Lithuania.

According to the interior minister, participating countries agreed to expedite the issuance of legal work permits for Pakistani citizens. Member states appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in reducing illegal migration to European countries by 47 percent within a year and acknowledged steps taken to combat human smuggling.

He further stated that Poland and Italy are expected to soon waive visa requirements for holders of Pakistani diplomatic and official passports. Pakistan also plans to present a comprehensive proposal to the European Union aimed at strengthening immigration management and border security capacity.

The prime minister commended the interior minister’s efforts, and the meeting also included a discussion on the overall domestic and security situation.