Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a high-level consultative meeting tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss the prevailing political and security situation following the breakdown of government-opposition talks and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march towards Islamabad.
According to media reports, the move comes amid heightened political tensions after negotiations between the government and opposition failed to produce an agreement on key issues ahead of the PTI protest, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The government and opposition have traded accusations over the failure of negotiations, with differences reportedly centred on the long march, access to PTI founder Imran Khan and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Constitutional options, including the possible imposition of Governor’s Rule or a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have also featured in discussions among federal leaders. However, no final decision on such measures has been publicly confirmed in the reports cited.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz has urged the PTI to call off its march and resolve political differences through dialogue, warning that prolonged protests could affect economic activity, including exports and manufacturing. The latest consultation is expected to focus on the political impasse, the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the government’s response to the ongoing protest.