Pakistan Denies Nuclear Command Meeting After India Missile Strikes Amid Rising Tensions

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified that no meeting of the National Command Authority, the top body overseeing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, has been held or scheduled following recent military strikes by India. This statement contradicted earlier reports suggesting that the Prime Minister had called for such a meeting amid escalating tensions after Indian missile strikes on Pakistani military installations. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister indicated a willingness to halt further military action if India chose not to escalate, signaling a potential path toward de-escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in diplomatic efforts by urging both Pakistan and India to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to prevent miscalculations. Despite denying nuclear escalation plans, Asif warned that the conflict could have wider destructive consequences beyond the region. Overall, Pakistan maintains that nuclear options are not currently being considered, while calling for restraint from both sides.