PTI skips national security meeting amid jail issues with Imran Khan
- PTI did not attend the national security meeting due to the inability to meet with jailed leader Imran Khan.
- Critics argue that national security discussions should include all political parties to effectively address terrorism.
- The absence of the PTI has sparked criticism from rival parties, labeling it an ineffective and anti-state decision.
In Pakistan, on March 19, 2025, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party did not attend the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) meeting. The decision to skip came after PTI's leadership was unable to arrange a meeting with their jailed founder, Imran Khan. Critics pointed out that having a national security meeting without the participation of the party leader was ineffective. Opposition leaders claimed that their exclusion from discussions detracts from effectively addressing pressing national security challenges facing the country today. They emphasized the need for unity in dealing with terrorism and national security issues. Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior minister from the ruling party, stated that the PTI’s choice to disengage from the discussions demonstrated its tendency to sow divisions on critical national matters. Aurangzeb criticized Imran Khan’s leadership during his tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that he neglected to create a robust counter-terrorism strategy, instead exploiting incidents of violence for political gain. The lack of attendance by PTI has been met with backlash from political opponents, who labeled it an “anti-state” decision, arguing that national security should transcend party politics. The PTI, through its representatives, asserted that its absence from the meeting was a premeditated act due to the inability to hold discussions with Imran Khan. The party maintains that violence and terrorism are major threats that require a comprehensive political approach, urging the state to adhere strictly to constitutional limits and prioritize the national interest. This illustrates a growing divide in Pakistan's political landscape regarding security policies and the handling of terrorism. As discussions around terrorism and national unity escalate, the absence of key political figures from meetings intended to devise strategies against terrorism raises questions about how effectively the nation can navigate through such issues. The PTI believes that public support is crucial and must be leveraged to create a conducive and stable environment to combat terrorism. Meanwhile, Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to stringent measures for eliminating terrorism and called for a collective effort from all citizens to preserve national security.