ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting at the President’s House to discuss the country’s overall political and security situation, amid reports that the federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
According to a statement issued by the President’s House, the two leaders also agreed to convene separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on October 13.
The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Adviser on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s cabinet colleague Ahsan Cheema.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar, Saleem Mandviwalla and Dr Asim assisted the president during the meeting.
Governor’s Rule Under Consideration
According to sources, an understanding has reportedly been reached regarding the possible imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A final decision could be taken soon.
Sources further said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to consult Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the matter. Following the consultation, a final decision may be made, and a summary seeking the imposition of governor’s rule could be sent to the president.
A federal cabinet meeting has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, where various constitutional options concerning the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to be discussed.
Emergency Proposal for 12 Districts
Earlier, sources claimed that the federal government had completed preparations to impose an emergency in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and had conveyed a message regarding the proposed move to the provincial government.
The proposal reportedly covers eight merged tribal districts formerly part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA): Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Mohmand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan.
The four other districts included in the reported proposal are Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.
Sources also said the federal government was considering options that could place certain key powers in the province under federal control.
The reported proposals and consultations have not yet been confirmed through a formal government announcement. Any final decision regarding governor’s rule or an emergency would depend on the applicable constitutional provisions and the government’s official position.