Joint Session Called to Debate Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned sessions of the National Assembly and Senate to discuss the proposed imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while opposition parties have announced plans to strongly oppose the move.

Both houses of Parliament are scheduled to meet at 6:15 p.m. at Parliament House in Islamabad. The president summoned the sessions under his constitutional powers under Article 54(1), with resolutions concerning the proposed emergency expected to be considered.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has submitted resolutions in both houses opposing the emergency. The party has called for the measure to be rejected and, if implemented, withdrawn immediately.

The resolutions also question the use of Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution to impose emergency rule. JUI has further demanded that the government share its security report with members of Parliament.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have called a joint parliamentary meeting to formulate a strategy for protesting against the proposed move.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has also scheduled a parliamentary party meeting for 4 p.m. to discuss the matter.

The upcoming National Assembly session will be the 30th session of the 16th National Assembly, while the Senate is also due to convene at 6:15 p.m. Both houses are expected to consider the constitutional and political implications of imposing emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.