ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday voiced grave concern over what he termed a violation of international norms following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The prime minister said Pakistan was deeply disturbed by the targeting of a head of state, stressing that it is an established principle of international law and long-standing convention that heads of state or government must not be targeted under any circumstances.
He offered prayers for the late Iranian leader and expressed solidarity with the people of Iran, praying for strength for them to bear what he described as an irreparable loss. In a post on X, the premier said the government and people of Pakistan stand with Iran in its hour of grief and extend heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of the Iranian supreme leader and other senior members of Iran’s leadership. According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, he said Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian nation and shares in its grief. He noted that the passing of such a prominent leader, along with other senior figures, would be deeply felt across the Muslim world. The president also offered prayers for the deceased and for the people of Iran.
High-Level Security Meeting Reviews Regional Situation
A high-level meeting was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the regional and internal security situation, according to Radio Pakistan.
The meeting conducted a detailed assessment of the prevailing regional environment and overall security dynamics. Pakistan’s role and various measures aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region were discussed. The situation in Afghanistan was also reviewed in detail. Participants were briefed on the country’s internal security arrangements and steps being taken to ensure law and order.
Update on Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided an update on Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, stating that 415 Afghan Taliban operatives had been killed and more than 580 injured so far.
He said 182 Afghan checkposts had been destroyed and 31 captured. Additionally, 185 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns were destroyed during the operation.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry rejected social media claims that Pakistan had halted operations against the Afghan Taliban.
In a post on X, he clarified that in view of the prevailing regional situation, the sharing of Pakistan Air Force and drone footage with the media had been temporarily suspended for security reasons. He emphasized that this step was taken to safeguard national security and operational strategy, not to stop the operation. He said operations against terrorist elements continue with full intensity and strategic prudence.
Police Official Martyred in Tank
In a separate incident, a police head constable was martyred by unidentified gunmen in the Main Bazaar area of Tank district on Saturday night.
According to police, Head Constable Uzair was sitting at a shop in Gali Dak Khana near a supermarket when unknown assailants opened fire, killing him on the spot. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the incident.
A heavy police contingent reached the area, cordoned it off, collected forensic evidence and launched a search operation to trace the suspects.
Security sources further revealed that on February 28, Pakistani troops crossed the border fence near North Waziristan in broad daylight and advanced towards what was described as a central Afghan Taliban post inside Afghan territory.
Upon the approach of Pakistani forces, Afghan Taliban fighters reportedly fled the post. Pakistani troops subsequently took control of the central position and cleared surrounding compounds in what was termed a full-scale retaliatory action. Flags hoisted by the opposing side were removed. Sources said the operation remains ongoing, with forces consolidating their positions in the area.
