Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed all relevant institutions at the federal and provincial levels to immediately ensure comprehensive and effective security measures in view of the prevailing situation.

The premier chaired a high-level review meeting in Lahore on the overall security situation in the country, according to the report.

The development comes in the wake of Pakistan launching Operation Ghazab lil-Haq after the Afghan Taliban opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations across the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday.

PM Shehbaz emphasised that all institutions must discharge their responsibilities with mutual coordination and complete harmony.

The participants of the meeting informed the prime minister that all security agencies were on alert in light of the current situation and that all necessary measures were being taken to safeguard national security.

In view of the evolving situation in Iran, which was struck by US and Israel earlier in the day, the premier directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe repatriation of Pakistanis in the country.

He directed that they be brought back safely to Pakistan via Azerbaijan.

In this regard, the prime minister further directed the ministry to immediately contact the government of Azerbaijan.

PM Shehbaz stated that the people of Pakistan and the armed forces were fully prepared at all times to safeguard the country’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the armed forces of Pakistan are performing their duties in the best possible manner with national spirit and dedication,” he said.

The prime minister further said, “The entire nation salutes the sacrifices being rendered by the security forces in the war against terrorism.”