PESHAWAR, Nov 2: Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Salim Saifullah Khan said on Friday that there was no need to impose emergency in the country as the government was stable and in a position to control any situation.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating CNG bus service here, the minister said: “Emergency is a constitutional step and the government may opt for it in case its need arises. It is not a new phenomenon in our country as we have witnessed it in the past.”

The suicide attacks in Rawalpindi and Sargodha and deteriorating law and order situation in Swat and tribal region were a source of concern for both the government and the citizens, he said.

All the political parties would have to rise to the occasion and sit together to work out a mechanism to tackle the national issue, he said. He said the ruling coalition was willing to sit with the opposition in this regard.

He said the option of imposing emergency had been discussed a few months back but the idea was dropped.

He said the National Reconciliation Ordinance would promote an atmosphere of harmony and trust.

In reply to a question, he welcomed release of 40 hostages by supporters of Maulana Fazlullah in Swat.

He said the caretaker chief minister of the NWFP had held three jirgas with elders of Malakand to bring normalcy to the valley.—APP