Shehbaz briefs Nawaz on KP security and economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met PML-N President Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Sunday and discussed the security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the country’s economic challenges and the government’s reform agenda.

The meeting was held at Jati Umra, where the prime minister briefed Nawaz Sharif on the government’s efforts to address economic difficulties and implement reforms. The two leaders also held detailed consultations on national political developments and measures to strengthen the economy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also attended the meeting.

The discussions came amid growing economic pressure on consumers, particularly due to rising electricity costs. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Saturday notified an increase of Rs2.36 per unit under the monthly fuel cost adjustment for September.

Pakistan is also facing uncertainty over imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and rising fuel costs. The country is expected to spend around $1.29 billion on 22 LNG cargoes between November 2026 and February 2027. These include 10 spot-market cargoes estimated to cost $863 million.

The Power Division has warned that electricity fuel cost adjustments could increase two to three times between December and February. Higher international LNG and coal prices, coupled with reduced hydropower generation during winter, could further increase the financial burden on consumers. The situation may also lead to additional power load management.

The meeting also took place against the backdrop of the federal government’s decision to impose an emergency and governor’s rule in K-P on October 11. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the move on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution.

The federal government cited worsening law and order and an increase in terrorist attacks as reasons for the decision. Following the proclamation, the provincial chief minister, cabinet members, advisers and advocate general ceased to hold office, while the governor assumed powers assigned by the federal government.

The measures also provided for the deployment of the Pakistan Army to assist the civil administration under Article 245. Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan was appointed chief secretary, while an 11-member advisory council was established to assist the governor. A separate administrative arrangement was also announced for 12 districts to be placed directly under federal control.

Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, during a briefing in Peshawar on Saturday, outlined plans to strengthen the province’s security infrastructure. He said the provincial government had allocated Rs70 billion for the police and Rs10.3 billion for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the current financial year.

The proposed measures include installing anti-drone systems in Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and Bannu. Authorities also plan to fill vacant police positions and improve security facilities. The province is facing a shortage of approximately 17,000 police personnel.

Despite ongoing intelligence-based operations by security forces, terrorist attacks have continued across the province, with police and security personnel increasingly being targeted.

Security reports presented to the federal cabinet showed that terrorist incidents in K-P increased by 195 per cent between March 2024 and September 2026. The reports also recorded 170 drone attacks targeting police and security forces during 2026, compared with no such attacks in 2024.