Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss national security and the political situation as the federal government considers imposing emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to Dawn. The meeting included key federal ministers, legal advisors, and leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Following the discussion, both leaders agreed to call separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate on Tuesday (Oct 13).

What happened

According to Dawn, relations between the PML-N-led federal administration and the PTI-led KP government have deteriorated, particularly regarding counterterrorism policies. A previous round of discussions between the two sides broke down on Oct 3. Federal authorities claim the provincial leadership is failing to address security challenges, while the PTI asserts that it is being excluded from crucial security decisions affecting KP.

Key facts

  • Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that KP received Rs700 billion under the National Finance Commission, but failed to upgrade its Counter Terrorism Department, build forensic labs, or install safe city cameras.
  • Minister of State for Interior Affairs Tallal Chaudhry stated that consultations are ongoing regarding the potential imposition of an emergency or governor’s rule in KP, describing it as a last resort.
  • Chaudhry noted that federal efforts at talks and backdoor discussions were attempted, but criticized the PTI for failing to cooperate on counterterrorism and for staging political protests.
  • Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam—Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman held discussions with PM Shehbaz to help ease tensions between the central government and KP, after taking the PTI leadership into confidence.

Why it matters

The political friction highlights growing divisions over counterterrorism strategy and state governance between the center and the KP administration, according to Dawn. With federal ministers citing a breakdown in cooperation during ongoing security challenges, the central government is evaluating options like emergency rule, even as political figures work to broker dialogue to de-escalate the situation.

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Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 10, 2026 · Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash