Islamabad, October 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Sunday recommended that the prime minister advise the president to invoke constitutional powers under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution regarding the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), amid a deteriorating law and order situation and rising terrorist attacks in the province.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, a summary in this regard has been sent to the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The cabinet reviewed the province’s security situation and received a comprehensive briefing on the growing threat of terrorism. Following detailed deliberations, it recommended the proposed constitutional measures, citing the worsening security environment and what it described as the provincial government’s lack of effective engagement in counterterrorism efforts.
Earlier, addressing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in districts including Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, where residents have faced repeated terrorist attacks.
The prime minister criticised the KP provincial leadership for what he described as its silence over attacks on civilians and security personnel, and called for a coordinated national response to terrorism. He said the federal government would no longer remain a silent spectator as the security situation worsened.
PM Criticises Breakdown of Counterterrorism Consensus
The prime minister said that two days of negotiations between federal coalition leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation had resulted in a draft consensus agreement. However, he said, the agreement was rejected at the last moment by the KP chief minister.
Shehbaz Sharif praised the efforts of coalition representatives, including Rana Sanaullah, Mohsin Naqvi, Amir Muqam, Syed Naveed Qamar and Sherry Rehman, as well as mediator Maulana Fazlur Rehman, for their participation in the negotiations.
He urged the provincial leadership to cooperate with the federal government in developing a joint strategy against terrorism and ensuring peace and security for residents of the province.
The prime minister also referred to the allocation of an additional one per cent share of financial resources to KP under the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. He said the allocation, amounting to approximately Rs800 billion over the years, was intended to strengthen the province’s counterterrorism capabilities, including its Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), police stations, intelligence infrastructure, personnel and modern equipment.
He expressed concern that, despite these resources, the province continued to face terrorist violence, particularly in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Shehbaz Sharif called on the federal cabinet to take firm decisions to address the deteriorating security situation and stressed that political differences should not undermine efforts to protect citizens.
PM Vows to Protect Economic Stability
The prime minister also warned against political activities that, in his view, could undermine Pakistan’s economic recovery and stability. He said the government would not allow political confrontation to derail economic progress.
Highlighting improvements in economic indicators, he referred to increased workers’ remittances, fiscal discipline, higher foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan and measures to control inflation. He also mentioned targeted fuel subsidies benefiting more than 50 million people.
The prime minister further highlighted the completion and inauguration of technology infrastructure in Islamabad, including the Daanish/National IT Park initiative, aimed at supporting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, artificial intelligence innovation and youth development.
He said similar technology hubs were planned for other major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts in the Gulf
Discussing regional developments, Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions and support ceasefire efforts in the Gulf region. He referred to cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, alongside engagement with Iran.
He appreciated the contributions of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in connection with these diplomatic efforts.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia, the prime minister described the kingdom as a trusted brotherly country and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its security.
He also condemned escalations and threats affecting regional maritime routes, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis targeting holy sites. He emphasised that the protection of Makkah and Madinah remained a red line for Pakistan.
The federal cabinet’s recommendation on emergency measures in KP comes amid mounting concerns over terrorism and security in the province. Any further action under Articles 232 and 234 would proceed through the applicable constitutional process.
