ISLAMABAD – The federal government is holding high-level meeting today with possible emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on table, and cabinet members reportedly instructed to remain in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a key security meeting, as a decision on the proposal could be discussed today. The federal government is holding key moot along with top civil-military leaders to chalk out possible emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials are also expected to take part in high-level consultations, where reports from national security institutions will be reviewed. The proposal is under consideration to impose emergency in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
The federal government is also reportedly examining the possibility of taking control of certain key powers in the region currently led by PTI.
The security situation will be the main focus of the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, where senior federal ministers and top officials from the Ministry of Interior are expected to attend. Interior Ministry officials will brief participants on the situation in the province, with a possible emergency among the key issues on the agenda.
The discussions are reportedly being held in light of Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which deal with emergency provisions and related constitutional powers.
If the government decides to move forward, the proposal will be presented to the federal cabinet for approval, sources say.
PTI continues Long March as PM Shehbaz sets Condition for Talks
Political tensions in Pakistan intensified as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues its march toward Islamabad, demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif insists that the protest must end before negotiations can resume.
The march, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, reached Swabi after collapse of negotiations between the opposition and the federal government. The talks reportedly broke down over PTI’s demands for Khan’s release, improved access for his family and legal team, and disagreements over counterterrorism policies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
What are PTI’s Seven Demands to Call Off Long March to Islamabad?
PM Sharif said his government remained willing to engage with the opposition but urged PTI to abandon its march and sit-ins first. He warned that continued demonstrations could disrupt trade, exports and industrial production, putting additional pressure on the national economy.
PTI continued to press for its demands to be addressed, maintaining pressure on the government through its protest campaign. Afridi is leading supporters toward Islamabad, with the movement expected to pass from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab before reaching the capital.
Security restrictions have also tightened amid the political standoff. Punjab authorities imposed a 10-day ban on public gatherings, citing concerns about possible militant attacks, while police limited access to Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses key government institutions and foreign embassies.
Emergency or Governor’s Rule in KP? Here’s What Pakistan’s Constitution says
