PM to gather allies as tensions with PTI mount

• Shehbaz to meet PPP leaders to discuss KP issues, protest threat • Sherry, Qamar meet PML-N leaders • Tariq Fazal says ‘emergency’ in KP under consideration due to ‘terrorism’ • Nayyar Bokhari urges talks, says Constitution provides remedies if govt fails to fulfil responsibilities ISLAMABAD: As political challenges mount for the PML-N government in light of multiple planned protests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif plans to hold extensive consultations with his allies to discuss the political and security situation, particularly in Khyber Pakht­unkhwa ruled by archrival PTI. A source in the Prime Minister’s House told Dawn that the PM was likely to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party was invited to a planned opposition multiparty moot. The premier is expected to discuss the imposition of the governor’s rule in KP, apparently due to a rise in terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on President Zardari recently in Karachi — a visit seen as quite significant against the backdrop of discussions on the governor’s rule in the PTI-ruled province. The PM had decided to take the president and the PPP into confidence after this meeting. Appearing on TV, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the PM was briefed on the current political situation soon after he arrived from the United States. “The PM was also apprised that the government reserved the right (to impose emergency) under the Constitution,” he said. Over the past week, the KP government had been warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule in the province in light of the security situation and the PTI’s protest call on Oct 4. The opposition party had warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision was imposed. However, a meeting between the PM and the National Assembly opposition lea­der, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, can also take place to defuse the crisis, since the PM had extende