President Asif Ali Zardari, Minister Shehbaz Sharif Discuss Possible Governor’s Rule in KP

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are reportedly considering governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in view of the province’s deteriorating political and safety situation.

As per source, the stuff was talk over during a meeting between the president and the prime minister at the President House, where they go over the country’s whole political and security situation.

According to sources, a federal cabinet meeting had been scheduled for Sunday at 9:30am to examine the constitutional options available to the government regarding KP.

Meanwhile, the President House said in an official statement that the two leaders had agreed to convene separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate on October 13.

The federal government is reportedly considering several constitutional measures to address the situation in the province. Sources added that a summary proposing governor’s rule could be sent to the president, while a final decision is expected after further consultations.

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 decision is finalised.

Earlier, sources claimed that preparations were under way to impose a state of emergency in 12 districts of KP, including areas of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) that were later merged into the province. However, the Presidency’s official statement did not confirm any decision to impose governor’s rule or an emergency.

The districts reportedly under consideration include Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Mohmand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Lower Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.

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