ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a high-level meeting to review the evolving situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and discuss possible constitutional and legal measures.
According to sources, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the prime minister on the law and order situation in the province, while Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar provided an overview of the constitutional and legal aspects of the matter.
The interior minister also informed the meeting about reported backchannel contacts with the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sources said.
The participants reviewed various constitutional and legal options available to the federal government in response to developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz decided to consult and take relevant stakeholders into confidence before taking any decision on the provincial situation.
The prime minister is also likely to meet President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the matter, sources added.
Emergency option
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that the Constitution provides for the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if circumstances warrant such a step.
Tarar maintained that the constitutional provisions regarding an emergency were clear, adding that it should be imposed if the situation required it.
“If an emergency is required in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it should definitely be imposed and it will be imposed,” he said.
Governor’s rule
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the federal government does not opt for governor’s rule willingly, describing it as a measure of last resort.
He said both the federal government and President Asif Ali Zardari would carefully weigh the situation before taking any decision on the matter.
Expressing concern over the law and order situation in the province, Kundi said conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were extremely worrying.
He also said young doctors, nurses and police personnel from FATA and PATA were currently on strike.
“The government should first resolve the problems of its own province,” Kundi said.
