Urdu Report Desk
State Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has said that an emergency could be imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before October 4, with the issue expected to be discussed by the federal cabinet after Prime Minister’s return.
Speaking in an interview a web media Malik said Nawaz Sharif and the government’s coalition partners were aware of the situation and that consultations were under way regarding the possibility of imposing an emergency in the province.
Law and Order Situation Under Review
Malik said the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was concerning and that questions were being raised about the priorities of the provincial government.
He said constitutional measures, including an emergency, had been considered in view of the security situation in the province. The matter is expected to come before the federal cabinet after the prime minister returns to the country.
Malik also said that whether the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) postpones or delays its planned protest is not the issue under consideration.
Concerns Over Counterterrorism Measures
The state minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government needed to focus immediately on implementing an effective counterterrorism strategy, strengthening the capacity of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and holding meetings of the Apex Committee.
He said the people of the province were looking toward the federal government amid continuing incidents of terrorism, while the provincial government and chief minister were visiting Punjab and Sindh.
Coalition Partners Briefed
Malik said coalition parties had been kept informed about developments concerning national security.
Referring to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, he said Sharif had also prioritized national security and the protection of citizens in the past.
He also referred to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), saying that its coalition leadership and the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were aware of the situation in the province.
Possible Decision Before October 4
Malik reiterated that an emergency would be a constitutional measure and said the government was reviewing the prevailing circumstances.
He said the issue was likely to be discussed by the federal cabinet following the prime minister’s return and that a decision could potentially be taken before October 4.
28th Constitutional Amendment
On the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, Malik said discussions on the matter were continuing.
He said the next parliamentary session scheduled for October was expected to consider various issues, including administrative units and provincial matters, after which elected representatives would make decisions in the public interest.
