Pakistan Holds Emergency Military Meeting Amid Fears of U.S. Strike on Iran

Islamabad, January 14, 2026: Pakistan’s top military leadership convened an emergency meeting to assess the country’s position amid rising concerns that the United States may launch a military strike on Iran. Reports suggest that Washington could pressure Pakistan to allow the use of its airbases or open a front against Iran, placing Islamabad in a highly sensitive diplomatic and strategic dilemma.

According to CNN-News18, the meeting was chaired by Field Marshal and Army Chief Asim Munir, with participation from senior officials including the ISI Chief, National Security Advisor General Asim Malik, Southern Commander Lt. Gen. Rahat Naseem, directors of military intelligence, and other top generals. The agenda focused on Pakistan’s potential responses in the event of a U.S. attack on Iran, as well as the broader implications for national security.

Pakistan faces multiple concerns: the Balochistan border region, which adjoins Iran, is already vulnerable to terrorism, and a conflict could trigger an influx of refugees. Additionally, roughly 30% of Pakistan’s population is Shia, with strong cultural and religious ties to Iran, raising the risk of domestic unrest and mass protests if conflict erupts.

The most sensitive question remains whether Pakistan would be compelled to grant U.S. forces access to its airbases. Sources indicate that any such request from Washington could place Islamabad in a politically precarious position, balancing strategic obligations to the U.S. against internal stability and public sentiment.

Officials warned that Pakistan cannot afford to destabilize yet another border region while tensions persist along the Durand Line with Afghanistan. The meeting highlighted the delicate balancing act Pakistan must perform amid growing regional volatility and the potential for large-scale humanitarian and security challenges.