PM Shehbaz to 'consult' stakeholders before decision on KP situation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a high-level consultative meeting to discuss the prevailing situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported, citing sources privy to the development. 

According to sources, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the prime minister on the law and order situation in the province, while the Law Minister briefed him on constitutional and legal matters concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.



The interior minister also briefed the meeting on reported backchannel contacts with the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sources said.

The meeting considered various constitutional and legal options to address the situation in the province, according to sources.

Sources said the prime minister decided to take relevant stakeholders into confidence before making any decision regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the matter, sources added.

Read more: Article 234 option on table as govt weighs response to KP situation: Sources

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar indicated that an emergency could be imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if required by the Constitution.

Read more: Federal government hints at imposing emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Tarar said the Constitution is clear about the imposition of an emergency and that if the circumstances require it, an emergency should be imposed. “If an emergency is required in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it should definitely be imposed and it will be imposed,” he said. Governor

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the federal government does not impose governor’s rule willingly, as it is considered a last resort.

He said the federal government and the president would carefully consider any decision to impose governor’s rule in the province.

Commenting on the law and order situation, Kundi said the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is extremely concerning.

He revealed that young doctors, nurses and police personnel from FATA and PATA are on strike.

“The government should first resolve the problems of its own province,” Kundi said.