PM Shehbaz Postpones Russia Visit After Regional Escalation and Internal Security Review
Pakistan Reviews Security Amid Regional Crisis as PM Shehbaz Chairs High-Level Meeting
Date: 2nd March 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Pakistan on Sunday to conduct an extensive review of the regional environment, the evolving security situation, and internal stability, according to state-run PTV. The meeting came days after Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban following attacks on Pakistani border positions. Officials provided detailed briefings on Afghanistan’s situation, Pakistan’s security preparedness, and ongoing measures to maintain peace amid rising regional volatility.
The discussion also covered the rapidly escalating crisis triggered by coordinated strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran a day earlier, which resulted in the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran condemned the attack as illegal and retaliated by launching missiles towards Israel and at least seven other countries, including several Gulf states hosting US military bases.
The Government and the people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei…… Shehbaz Sharif on X
The meeting further reviewed actions taken to repatriate Pakistani nationals stranded in Iran. The Foreign Office briefed participants on evacuation arrangements, noting that return efforts were being facilitated via Azerbaijan to ensure safe and organized movement back to Pakistan.
Amid these developments, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif postponed his official visit to Russia—originally scheduled for March 3 to 5—due to the prevailing internal and regional situation. The PMO said the visit held significant importance for advancing bilateral ties but would be rescheduled after mutual consultations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X that he held a telephone conversation with King Abdullah II to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. He conveyed Pakistan’s deep concern over the escalating regional tensions following attacks by Israel on Iran and subsequent strikes targeting Jordan and other neighbouring states.
According to the prime minister, both leaders underscored the urgent need for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation to preserve regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Jordan and its readiness to support all efforts aimed at restoring calm in the region.
