ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the possible imposition of governor’s rule or a state of emergency expected to rank among the options under consideration, according to government sources.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Prime Minister’s House and will bring together key federal ministers alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Interior. Ministry officials are expected to brief participants on the province’s prevailing security situation.
Constitutional Options on the Table
According to sources, the discussion will cover the overall situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, public safety and law and order, while examining various constitutional options — including the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule.
Sources indicated that a decision on imposing an emergency in the province could emerge from the meeting. Should the proposal be approved, the matter would be placed before the federal cabinet for consideration, with the prime minister expected to convene a cabinet session.
Proposal for 12 Districts Under Emergency
Earlier reports suggested that a proposal had been under consideration to impose an emergency in 12 districts, including the merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Additional proposals include transferring certain key powers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the federal government. Sources said constitutional provisions ranging from Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution could be examined before any major decision is taken.
Security Reports to Be Reviewed
Reports received from national security institutions will also be reviewed during the meeting. The government is expected to consider proposals concerning the exercise of additional powers by the federal government in light of the province’s security situation.
The deliberations signal growing federal concern over the security trajectory in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though no final decision has been announced. Any move toward emergency provisions or governor’s rule would mark a significant constitutional step, requiring careful legal and political assessment before implementation.
