A delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, led by MQM Convener and Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on the country's overall political situation.

The Prime Minister, speaking on the occasion, briefed the delegation on the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said that an extremely difficult decision had to be taken in the best interest of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said that every possible effort was made to avoid taking this extreme step.

The Prime Minister said that the government participated in negotiations with an open heart but did not receive a positive response from the other side.

He said that civilians and security forces were being targeted in escalating terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the provincial government failed to speak out openly against terrorist groups.

The Prime Minister said that the long march was a conspiracy to destroy the country's improving economy.

The delegation assured the Prime Minister of its full support regarding the government's decisions concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.