Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday as the federal government considered different options over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including KP governor rule and emergency measures. The meeting reviewed security and political developments in the province.
Federal ministers and senior officials attended the meeting at the Prime Minister House, according to sources. The overall law and order situation across Pakistan was also discussed, with particular attention given to developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed participants on the security situation. Sources said the meeting also reviewed PTI’s announced long march towards Islamabad and efforts involving backchannel contacts between the government and political representatives.
Officials also discussed constitutional provisions concerning emergency measures. According to the Constitution, Article 232 covers an emergency in circumstances involving serious internal disturbance beyond a provincial government’s ability to control.
The possibility of KP governor rule has been under discussion amid growing tensions between the federal and provincial governments. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has previously said that governor’s rule could be imposed if the situation deteriorates and the president and prime minister consider it necessary.
The federal government has linked its concerns to security conditions and the proposed PTI march. Federal ministers have said constitutional and legal options remain under consideration, while the KP government has rejected allegations that it is failing to address terrorism and law and order.
A meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari could also take place to discuss the situation and possible constitutional steps, according to sources cited in the supplied report. Meanwhile, PTI leaders have maintained that their planned October 4 march will proceed, while party leader Shaukat Yousafzai has separately called for its postponement.
