Moments after Pakistan`s military claimed that the government had convened a meeting of the top nuclear body in the wake of escalating military tensions with India, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly refuted the assertion, creating confusion over the country`s nuclear posture.
“No meeting has happened of the National Command Authority, nor is any such meeting scheduled,” Asif said in an interview with ARY News on Saturday, contradicting earlier reports issued by the military that suggested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called for the high-level body — which oversees the country`s nuclear arsenal — to meet.
The contradiction has raised questions about communication and coordination within Pakistan`s civilian and military leadership at a time of heightened regional tension.
The military`s statement had come shortly after Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan al-Marsous,” a retaliatory strike targeting multiple Indian military sites, following India`s “Operation Sindoor.”
The Pakistani Information Ministry has not responded to requests for clarification, and it remains unclear whether the discrepancy stems from a change in scheduling or a deeper lack of consensus within the government.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister indicated that Islamabad is willing to consider a halt in operations if India does the same, echoing diplomatic appeals from global powers — including the United States — to de-escalate the crisis.
As tensions continue to simmer between the nuclear-armed neighbours, the conflicting narratives within Pakistan`s own leadership could complicate diplomatic efforts and raise further concerns about stability in the region.
