Rawalpindi,(Parliament Times): Pakistan’s military leadership on Tuesday strongly denounced Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical and industrial installations, calling the strikes an unnecessary escalation that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in the Middle East.
According to Iran, the attack targeted a petrochemical complex in Jubail, a major industrial city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Pakistan’s Foreign Office earlier expressed deep concern and unequivocally condemned the assault.
The issue was discussed during the 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and chaired by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the forum said the attack could jeopardise sincere mediation efforts aimed at peacefully resolving the regional conflict.
“The forum noted with concern and strongly condemned the latest attacks on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical and industrial complex, terming them an unnecessary escalation that threatens ongoing diplomatic initiatives,” the statement said.
Military commanders observed that Saudi Arabia had demonstrated restraint despite serious provocations, which had helped create space for mediation and diplomatic engagement. However, they warned that such aggressive actions could derail the fragile environment needed for peaceful negotiations.
The participants also commended the government’s diplomatic initiatives to help end the Middle East conflict and reiterated Pakistan’s call for restraint, dialogue and de-escalation. The military leadership reaffirmed the country’s commitment to principled diplomacy and constructive engagement, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a responsible regional stakeholder and a stabilising force in regional security.
Tensions across the Middle East escalated sharply after joint US and Israeli air strikes in February reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory attacks across the region.
In response to those strikes, Iran targeted several US military bases in Gulf countries, significantly widening the scope of the confrontation.
Amid rising tensions, Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to mediate between the rival sides. Islamabad recently hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which received international recognition for Pakistan’s peace initiatives.
Reports suggest the United States and Iran were considering a framework aimed at ending the five-week conflict. The proposal, reportedly facilitated by Pakistan, included an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations for a comprehensive peace settlement within 15 to 20 days. However, Tehran rejected the ceasefire plan, insisting that any arrangement must guarantee a permanent end to hostilities.
According to officials, Field Marshal Asim Munir remained in continuous contact overnight with US Vice President JD Vance, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the mediation efforts.
During the meeting, the Corps Commanders also reviewed the overall internal and external security situation. The forum reaffirmed that all terrorist groups and their facilitators would be pursued without exception.
The military leadership reiterated that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, launched on February 27 in response to cross-border attacks from Afghanistan, would continue until terrorist safe havens are dismantled and Afghan soil is no longer used against Pakistan.
The commanders also rejected what they described as persistent disinformation and unfounded allegations by India, stating that such narratives had already been discredited internationally.
The forum further expressed concern over ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted a recent surge in what it called “fake encounters” used to conceal extrajudicial killings.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir directed commanders to maintain the highest level of operational readiness and professionalism. He expressed confidence in the armed forces’ ability to effectively counter all threats and safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The participants offered prayers for the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians, paying tribute to their sacrifices.
Field Marshal Munir also praised the security forces for their professionalism and dedication, noting that close coordination between the government, the armed forces and the public continues to strengthen Pakistan’s security, economic resilience and global standing.