Islamabad: The National Security Committee (NSC) convened on Wednesday to address escalating tensions following a series of strikes carried out by India in Pakistan. The meeting, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together top civil and military leaders to deliberate on the deteriorating situation.

The NSC’s latest gathering comes on the heels of a previous meeting on April 24, which was prompted by India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after an attack on tourists in Pahalgam. In response, Pakistan had announced measures including suspending trade ties with India and closing the Wagah Border crossing.

During the April meeting, the security body declared that water resources were a critical national interest for Pakistan and emphasized the necessity of protecting the Indus Waters Treaty. The committee deemed any threat to Pakistan’s water rights as tantamount to an act of war.

Following the recent missile strikes by India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted Pakistan’s right to respond. In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, he described the attacks as cowardly and stated that Pakistan is prepared to deliver an appropriate response.

The prime minister also highlighted the unity and support of the nation for the armed forces, affirming their high morale and readiness to defend the country.