Pakistan minister raises emergency option for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said federal authorities had completed deliberations on a possible emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He linked using that option to provincial-government cooperation on counterterrorism.

Chaudhry spoke on October 9 on Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath. Dawn reported his remarks. He argued that authorities could no longer delay action against terrorism.

Asked about a possible emergency in 12 districts, he said Article 232 of the Constitution concerned the whole province. He declined to confirm reports of an October 10 meeting and did not specify a deadline for a decision.

The minister denied that the proposal was connected to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s march seeking Imran Khan’s release. He attributed deliberations to security threats and police and law-enforcement deaths. This is the federal government’s explanation amid its dispute with the PTI-led provincial administration.

Chaudhry reported meeting Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who could help facilitate negotiations. He said political dialogue remained possible but required counterterrorism cooperation.

The next day, Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss security and political developments. The accounts describe preparations and consultations rather than an emergency already imposed.