ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has responded to the prime minister’s invitation for a security briefing, demanding that it be presented before the entire Parliament rather than a select group of members.
Speaking to the media, Mahmood Achakzai said they were informed that the prime minister had called a briefing, but their position is clear: the session should be held before the full Parliament.
He said they were advised to raise this point directly before the prime minister, adding that he has told the government they will first consult their colleagues before making a final decision.
The opposition leader suggested that it would be more appropriate to convene a joint sitting of Parliament or at least hold the briefing in the Senate. He stressed that given the dangerous regional situation, Parliament must be taken into confidence.
Mahmood Achakzai said the opposition would inform the government of its final decision by tomorrow morning.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has invited opposition leaders to attend a key in-camera briefing at the Prime Minister House in light of the evolving regional and global situation.
A delegation led by Rana Sanaullah met National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas in Islamabad to formally extend the invitation. The briefing is scheduled for 11:30am on Wednesday.
The opposition leaders sought time to consult their respective parties and said they would communicate their decision after internal deliberations. Mahmood Khan Achakzai suggested that, given the gravity of the situation, the briefing should ideally be expanded to include the entire parliament.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened the meeting to brief political leadership on recent regional developments, particularly the Middle East crisis following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, as well as Pakistan’s border security situation.
Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah said he had approached opposition leaders on the prime minister’s instructions and urged all parties to rise above political considerations in the national interest. He emphasized that the meeting should not be made conditional on any demands.
According to him, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also been invited to attend the session.