Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the political and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the government deciding to consult President Asif Ali Zardari and other stakeholders before proceeding with further measures.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s House, examined the situation in the province amid tensions surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march to Islamabad. Participants also discussed the broader law and order situation and available legal and constitutional options.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam attended the meeting.
Naqvi briefed participants on the security and law and order situation, while legal and constitutional aspects of the developments in KP were also reviewed.
The participants discussed the PTI’s planned march as well as reported backchannel contacts involving the party’s leadership.
The meeting also considered a range of possible responses to the situation in KP, including Governor’s Rule and emergency measures.
However, no final decision on such measures was announced following the meeting. Instead, the government decided to hold consultations with President Zardari and other relevant stakeholders before determining its next course of action. Recent reports said the federal government was examining constitutional provisions in connection with the provincial situation.
The discussions come as PTI prepares for its announced march to Islamabad, which the party has scheduled for Oct. 4 after postponing its earlier date.
The federal government has been reviewing the potential security and political implications of the planned demonstration as tensions between Islamabad and the PTI-led KP administration continue.
Meanwhile, KP authorities have rejected allegations from federal officials concerning the provincial government’s handling of security matters and have maintained their position on the planned march.
The latest meeting concluded without a publicly announced final decision on emergency measures or Governor’s Rule.
The government’s decision to consult the president and other stakeholders indicates that further discussions will precede any move concerning the constitutional or administrative status of the province.
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