Overview
- President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met at the Presidency to assess the political, economic and security landscape, according to an official statement.
- The session included key ministers and advisers such as Ishaq Dar, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Dr Syed Touqeer Hussain Shah, Rana Sanaullah, Sherry Rehman and Raja Pervez Ashraf.
- The review followed a Feb. 6 bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad that killed at least 32 worshippers, as well as reported large-scale clashes and counter-operations in Balochistan with heavy casualties claimed by security forces.
- Officials reiterated commitment to internal security and regional engagement, with Pakistan previously urging dialogue between Iran and the United States through calls by FM Ishaq Dar and PM Shehbaz.
- The Foreign Office said the prime minister will attend an upcoming Board of Peace meeting in the United States with FM Dar and urged Afghan authorities to act against groups striking Pakistan while keeping diplomatic channels open.