ISLAMABAD – The federal government is likely to hold key consultations on Thursday (today) over the political and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the possible constitutional options including governor rule for the province likely to come under discussion, the sources familiar with the development said.
The sources said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Amir Muqam to the Prime Minister’s House for detailed consultations on the situation in the province.
The meeting is likely to examine various political, constitutional and legal aspects concerning the future course of action in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including options related to the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency.
The sources said that a separate meeting may also be held at the President’s House later on Thursday evening or night.
The prime minister, they said, is expected to brief President Asif Ali Zardari on the prevailing political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The consultations are likely to focus on the provincial government’s performance, the deteriorating law and order situation and the ongoing fight against terrorism. The federal side is also expected to review what it describes as the provincial government’s inadequate response to the security situation and the losses resulting from militancy.
The officials are likely to examine the constitutional and legal framework before taking any decision regarding the province.
The consultations come amid heightened political tensions between the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments as both sides are differing sharply over governance, security and the provincial administration’s response to militancy.
No final decision has so far been announced regarding any constitutional step in the province.
