President Asif Ali Zardari has convened a key meeting in Islamabad to review the political and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration remain high.
Zardari arrived in Islamabad on Thursday and is expected to chair discussions at the Aiwan-i-Sadr. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to meet the president as part of wider consultations on developments in the province.
The discussions are expected to cover security, governance and constitutional options. The development comes as the federal government considers possible measures, including an emergency or Governor’s Rule in KP.
A separate meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the province’s security situation, legal issues and the PTI’s planned October 4 protest. Officials said no final decision on emergency or Governor’s Rule had been announced at the time of reporting.
The PTI has maintained its plan for the October 4 march to Islamabad. The federal government has warned that it will take measures to prevent disruption of public order. The dispute has added to tensions over governance, security and political demands.
Meanwhile, President Zardari’s spokesperson Murtaza Solangi issued a strong statement concerning Afghanistan. He accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of providing alleged safe havens, training and logistical support to militant groups.
The statement followed Pakistan’s reported airstrikes against alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the strikes targeted locations linked to Fitna al Khwarij, Fitna al Hindustan and affiliated groups.
The ministry said initial reports indicated that 22 militants were killed and weapons and ammunition were destroyed. These figures were issued by Pakistani authorities and had not been independently verified.
The latest presidential and federal consultations come amid heightened security concerns and continued political uncertainty in KP.
