Emergency or governor's rule looms as President, PM discuss KP situation

The development came during a meeting between the president and the prime minister at President House, where they discussed the overall political and security situation in the country.

Sources further said a federal cabinet meeting had been called on Sunday (today) at 9:30am to review the available constitutional options concerning the province. the President House, the two leaders also agreed to convene separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate on October 13.

Sources said the federal government was considering various constitutional options for addressing the situation in KP, with a final decision expected following further consultations. A summary regarding the possible imposition of governor’s rule may be sent to the president, they added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to discuss the matter with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman before a final decision is made. Earlier, sources had claimed that preparations were under way to impose a state of emergency in 12 districts of KP, including the merged tribal districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

However, the Presidency’s official statement did not confirm a decision to impose governor’s rule or an emergency. The districts reportedly under consideration include Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Mohmand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Lower Waziristan, along with Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.

Sources also indicated that the federal government was considering transferring certain powers in the province to the centre as part of the proposed measures.