The rare military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- shared between the two countries -- has further stoked regional tensions already enflamed by the Israel-Hamas war.

Iran carried out a missile and drone attack on what it called "terrorist" targets in Pakistan on Tuesday night, with Pakistan in turn striking militant targets inside Iran on Thursday.

The United Nations and United States have appealed for restraint, while China has offered to mediate between the two countries.

"The Prime Minister has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee set to take place today," a spokesperson in his office told AFP.

An Islamabad security official said the Chief of Army Staff and head of the intelligence services will attend the mid-afternoon meeting.

Pakistan's caretaker leader Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland following the strikes.

His caretaker government is leading Pakistan into general elections which are just three weeks away and have been marred by allegations of pre-poll rigging.