Islamabad: Consultations are ongoing at the federal level in the context of the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the long march announced by the PTI.
Federal ministers and important officials attended the meeting held at the Prime Minister House under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed the overall security situation of the country, especially the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to sources, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi gave a briefing on law and order in the meeting. The political situation and possible situations arising after the announcement of the PTI’s long march were also discussed. The participants were also informed about behind-the-scenes contacts.
The issue of constitutional provisions regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also came up in the consultation. According to sources, opinions were sought on the avenues available under Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution. However, a final decision regarding these provisions has not been made.
Sources also said that the Prime Minister is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari. The situation in the province and possible constitutional measures can be further considered in this meeting.
Federal officials have expressed reservations about the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Federal ministers maintain that the provincial government is pursuing political activities while there are differences over cooperation with state institutions to deal with the TTP threat.
On the other hand, the Chief Minister’s House has rejected the federal government’s position. The provincial government says that the decision of the long march is intact and no move by the federal government will change the political programme.
The situation has come to light at a time when political activities related to the long march of the PTI are in full swing. Yesterday, PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai had also requested party chairman Barrister Gauhar to postpone the march.
Overall, the political differences between the federation and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the security situation and the issue of constitutional powers seem to be interconnected. The direction of this issue is likely to become clearer with future consultations and political contacts.
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