PM Shehbaz, President Zardari discuss political, security situation amid PTI long march

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a key meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday, during which the two leaders reviewed

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a key meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday, during which the two leaders reviewed the country’s prevailing political and security situation, according to sources.

The meeting was held at the Presidency following a ceremony in which United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was conferred with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his services and contributions.

Senior political figures and officials from both sides were also present during the meeting. The discussions focused on the latest developments on the political front, as well as security-related matters confronting the country.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the prime minister and the president exchanged views on the overall political environment and developments that have emerged in recent days. Particular attention was given to the situation linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its possible political and security implications.

Members of the government’s negotiation committee also briefed the two top constitutional office-holders on the latest developments concerning the talks and the evolving situation.

The participants discussed the progress made during the consultation process and considered the possible course of action in light of the developments taking place in the province and at the national level.

Sources said the meeting emphasized the need for continued consultation among relevant stakeholders before the government takes any constitutional or legal step. The leadership agreed that the situation should be handled through dialogue and careful consideration of the available legal and constitutional options.

The meeting comes at a time when political developments have continued to attract significant attention across the country. The PTI’s activities and the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have remained an important issue for the federal government, particularly because of their potential impact on political stability and public order.

The participants also reviewed the broader security environment and discussed the need to maintain stability while addressing the emerging challenges through institutional and constitutional channels.

The presence of members of the negotiation committee at the meeting provided the president and prime minister with an opportunity to receive a direct briefing on the latest developments and the status of ongoing consultations.

According to the sources, no immediate constitutional or legal action was decided upon during the meeting. Instead, the leadership agreed to continue consultations and assess the situation before reaching a final decision.

The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari is being viewed as significant amid the rapidly developing political circumstances in the country. The discussions are expected to shape the government’s approach to the ongoing situation, particularly regarding the developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the PTI’s political activities.

The leadership is expected to remain in contact with relevant stakeholders as consultations continue and further developments emerge.