Pakistan minister denies Shehbaz Sharif summoned nuclear command authority after Marco Rubio talks to army chief

Pakistani Defence Minsiter Khawaja Asif said the National Command Authority was not summoned, dismissing a report by Reuters.

"No meeting has happened of the National Command Authority, nor is any such meeting scheduled," the minister told ARY TV.

This comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, urging him to de-escalate the tensions with India and restore "direct communication to avoid miscalculation". He also offered help in resuming constructive talks so that future conflicts can be avoided.

Reuters had earlier cited Pakistan's military, reporting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called a meeting of the National Command Authority, a body comprising civilian and military officials who oversee decisions on country's nuclear arsenal.

This has raised the concerns of a nuclear misadventure by Pakistan, which has been heavily hit by India in the ongoing Operation Sindoor. On Saturday morning, Pakistan announced a coordinated military operation, called Operation Bunyan al-Marsus. This is in response to India's Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan had earlier fired a long-range missile targeting a key strategic area in India. However, it was intercepted by the Indian armed forces.

In retaliation, India struck key airbases in Pakistan, including Noor Khan in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal and Rafiqui in Shorkot.

Rubio also spoke to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, urging India to communicate with Pakistani side directly and extended support for productive discussions.

 

World