Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing to hold consultations with political allies as tensions rise over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The discussions will focus on the province’s security situation, possible constitutional measures and the PTI’s planned march towards Islamabad on October 4.
The federal government has recently indicated that both governor’s rule and a constitutional emergency remain possible options. However, no final decision has been announced.
Shehbaz to Consult PPP Leadership
According to reports, Shehbaz is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The consultations are expected to cover the security situation in KP and the possibility of imposing governor’s rule.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently met President Zardari in Karachi. The meeting came amid growing discussions about possible federal intervention in the province.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said Shehbaz received a briefing on the political situation after returning from the United States.
He said the government retained constitutional options if circumstances required emergency measures.
Emergency in KP Under Consideration
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government was seriously considering imposing an emergency in KP. He linked the discussion to increasing terrorism and what he described as the provincial government’s inability to control the security situation.
Chaudhry said the proposed emergency would be considered under Article 232 of the Constitution.
He also said the decision would not be based on political considerations but on the security situation.
Earlier, federal ministers had also warned that governor’s rule could be imposed if circumstances required it.
However, the situation has developed quickly. Earlier in September, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had ruled out any intention to impose governor’s rule in KP.
PTI Maintains October 4 Protest Plan
The PTI has remained firm on holding its march towards Islamabad on October 4. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has rejected calls to withdraw the protest. He has also demanded changes to the federal government’s counterterrorism policy.
PTI leaders have warned that imposing governor’s rule or emergency measures would further worsen the situation.
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said the party would proceed with its October 4 programme.
The federal government, meanwhile, has continued to warn the provincial leadership about the possible consequences of the march.
PML-N and PPP Discuss KP Situation
The ruling PML-N and PPP also held a delegation-level meeting at the National Assembly speaker’s chamber. PPP leaders Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar met Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
The meeting reportedly included discussions about the security situation and possible constitutional measures in KP. Tarar said governor’s rule could be imposed if circumstances required such action. Chaudhry, meanwhile, said an emergency under Article 232 was being considered because of terrorism.
PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said the party would give its opinion within the framework of the Constitution and law if formally consulted.
Opposition Consultations Also Possible
Shehbaz Sharif could also meet National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The prime minister had previously invited the opposition leader for consultations on national issues and matters involving the PTI.
Such talks could provide another channel for political engagement before the October 4 protest.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is also expected to meet the prime minister over the petroleum levy.
He had previously warned of resuming his march in October if negotiations with the government failed.
Government Faces Multiple Political Challenges
The KP dispute comes as the federal government faces several political challenges. The October 4 PTI march remains the immediate flashpoint. At the same time, the security situation in KP has increased pressure on the federal government to consider stronger constitutional measures.
For now, consultations between the PML-N, PPP and other political stakeholders are expected to shape the government’s next steps.
The federal government has not formally imposed governor’s rule or an emergency in KP. The province’s political leadership, meanwhile, remains committed to the October 4 protest, keeping tensions between Islamabad and Peshawar high.
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