Govt says month-long efforts to engage K-P administration preceded emergency

Speaking at a press conference alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials, Tarar said President Asif Ali Zardari had declared an emergency under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution. Tarar said Naqvi would explain the circumstances that led to the decision.

Naqvi said the day had been difficult and outlined the government’s efforts to establish contact with the K-P government over the preceding month. “I would certainly like to explain the background. Today has not been an easy day,” Naqvi said, adding that efforts had continued for a month to bring the K-P government on board.

He said he had personally remained in contact with the provincial government during the process, while discussions were also taking place over the planned long march and other matters. Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been scheduled to leave for New York on September 17 and that it had been decided he would meet the opposition before departing.

He said the government had decided to form a committee and arrange a meeting on September 15 or 16, but received no response. Despite that, he said, contacts continued. Naqvi said a meeting had also taken place between the president and the prime minister, during which he suggested bringing the K-P government on board.

He added that a draft was revised four times the following day, but when the matter appeared to have been finalised, the government learned that a new draft had arrived.