ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari received a security briefing on Saturday regarding the opposition-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, following discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the nation’s political and security landscape amid rising speculation about potential emergency actions.
The briefings occurred as KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi cautioned that imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in his province would provoke widespread protests, escalating tensions between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Although earlier negotiations between the government and PTI aimed to resolve political disputes, the talks collapsed due to disagreements over political demands and counterterrorism strategies.
The security situation worsened after the killing of senior election commission official Shamshad Khan in Tank district on Saturday, prompting federal allegations that the PTI-led provincial government has failed to address militant threats adequately.
PTI opposes large-scale military operations, citing risks to civilians, and advocates for counterterrorism measures to be developed in collaboration with provincial leaders and local communities.
“The president was briefed on the country’s overall security situation, particularly the deteriorating law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the presidency stated after Zardari’s meetings with KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Discussions have intensified regarding invoking Article 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which permits federal intervention if a province cannot function constitutionally. The presidency has not yet announced a decision on emergency measures.
Zardari and Sharif also addressed the political and security climate during their meeting, agreeing to convene separate parliamentary sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on October 13. The federal cabinet is slated to meet on Sunday morning to discuss the situation.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry indicated that while emergency measures are not the government’s preferred option, constitutional tools may become necessary if no alternatives remain.
KP Chief Minister Afridi has called on PTI supporters to gather in Swabi on October 11, with plans to advance toward Islamabad on October 14. He has urged protesters to maintain peaceful conduct.
Article 234 allows the National Assembly and Senate, via separate resolutions, to authorize the president to assume provincial functions, requiring subsequent approval from a joint parliamentary session. The KP chief minister reiterated his opposition to federal intervention, warning it would undermine public mandates.
