### Escalating Tensions: Pakistan's Response to US Strikes on Iran In light of recent US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to address the escalating regional tensions. The meeting is set for Monday evening and will include key military and civilian leaders, highlighting Pakistan's concern over the implications of these strikes on regional stability and international law. The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that the NSC will discuss Pakistan's position regarding the ongoing crisis involving Iran, Israel, and the US, as well as internal security and border management issues in response to these developments [https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-to-hold-national-security-committee-meeting-after-us-strikes-on-iran-10082707][https://www.dawn.com/news/1919261/pm-shehbaz-calls-national-security-committee-meeting-after-us-strikes]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Context of the NSC Meeting** - The NSC meeting is a direct response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which Pakistan has condemned as a violation of international law [https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Jun-2025/pm-shehbaz-convenes-key-nsc-meeting-amid-rising-regional-tensions]. - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concerns over the strikes hitting sites protected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Jun-2025/nsc-meets-today-over-regional-issues]. 2. **Key Participants and Agenda** - The meeting will include high-ranking officials such as Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and other senior cabinet members [https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Jun-2025/nsc-meets-today-over-regional-issues]. - The agenda will focus on the Iran-Israel-US crisis, Pakistan's strategic position, and internal security dynamics [https://dailytimes.com.pk/1321347/pm-shehbaz-chairs-high-level-nsc-meeting-over-iran-us-escalation]. 3. **Pakistan's Diplomatic Stance** - PM Sharif has communicated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning the US actions and reaffirming Iran's right to self-defense under international law [https://www.dawn.com/news/1919261/pm-shehbaz-calls-national-security-committee-meeting-after-us-strikes]. - The Prime Minister emphasized the need for de-escalation and a return to dialogue, positioning Pakistan as a potential mediator for regional peace [https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Jun-2025/pm-shehbaz-convenes-key-nsc-meeting-amid-rising-regional-tensions]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Dates and Events:** - **June 22, 2025:** PM Sharif announces the NSC meeting in response to US strikes [https://24newshd.tv/22-Jun-2025/pm-shehbaz-convenes-nsc-meeting-tomorrow]. - **June 23, 2025:** The NSC meeting is held, focusing on regional security and Pakistan's strategic response [https://dailytimes.com.pk/1321347/pm-shehbaz-chairs-high-level-nsc-meeting-over-iran-us-escalation]. - **Statements from Officials:** - PM Sharif's condemnation of the US strikes as a violation of international law and his call for diplomatic solutions highlight Pakistan's proactive stance in regional diplomacy [https://www.dawn.com/news/1919261/pm-shehbaz-calls-national-security-committee-meeting-after-us-strikes]. ### Conclusion: Pakistan's Strategic Position Amid Regional Crisis 1. **Immediate Response:** Pakistan's NSC meeting reflects a critical response to the US strikes on Iran, emphasizing the need for a unified national stance on security matters. 2. **Diplomatic Engagement:** The Prime Minister's outreach to Iran and condemnation of US actions indicate Pakistan's commitment to regional stability and adherence to international law. 3. **Future Implications:** The outcomes of the NSC meeting may shape Pakistan's foreign policy and security strategies in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding its relationship with Iran and the US. In summary, Pakistan is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its national security interests with the need for diplomatic engagement in the face of rising tensions between Iran and the US [https://dailytimes.com.pk/1321347/pm-shehbaz-chairs-high-level-nsc-meeting-over-iran-us-escalation].