The federal government has completed preparations for a possible emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with the decision reportedly dependent on the outcome of political contacts between the government and opposition, a news report claimed, citing sources.
The preparations include proposed administrative changes involving deputy commissioners and secretaries, as well as lists of candidates for regional and district police leadership positions, the sources said.
A proposal to initially impose an emergency in 12 districts of the province is also under consideration.
According to the sources, the government will not proceed with either measure if negotiations with the opposition, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), proved successful.
Formal talks between the federal government and opposition are not taking place, but back-channel contacts are continuing, the sources added.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security situation for Saturday, where the possible imposition of an emergency is expected to be discussed, the sources claimed.
Federal cabinet members have been instructed to remain in Islamabad amid the developments, while a cabinet meeting is expected to be convened soon.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif and senior military officials are expected to attend the meeting, which will also review reports from national security institutions, the sources said.
Separately, senior PTI leaders are expected to meet Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday to discuss the political situation and the party’s next course of action.
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar and other party leaders are expected to brief Afridi on messages received at the federal level, according to the sources.
The meeting is also expected to cover the party’s long march, with Afridi and PTI leadership likely to consider further decisions, the sources added.
