PM Shehbaz discusses country's security and political situation with President Zardari

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conversed with President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the nation's security and political climate on Saturday, as reported by an official statement. Accompanying the premier were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Political Affairs Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Additionally, PPP's Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar were present. The pair agreed to hold separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on October 13. This development follows the PML-N-led federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government led by the PTI, both in opposition, clashing over counterterrorism policy and governance.

The PTI asserts it is excluded from security decisions in KP, a claim the Centre denies. They also argue for a review of the counterterrorism policy, while the latter denounces KP's anti-terrorism efforts and opposes its stance on Afghan Taliban dialogue. Federal ministers have criticized the PTI for staging a protest march in KP, which was warned against, amidst security concerns in the province.

Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized KP's "poor governance," citing unfulfilled promises regarding counterterrorism infrastructure. On a separate note, PM Shehbaz spoke with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, discussing efforts to lessen tensions between the Centre and the KP government.

This came after talks between Fazl and opposition alliance leaders failed due to counterterrorism policy disagreements. The PTI’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, and other officials also met with JUI-F leader, suggesting the possibility of resuming negotiations.