The council of advisers has agreed in principle that it needs more members to share the workload of the existing advisers, but "it is only a question of how," Fahim said.

"It is being delayed because of legal tangles," he said at a press briefing at the Chief Adviser's Office. "The government has to ensure that the process of appointments follows the constitution."

The issue is being seriously considered even after a draft proposal on expansion of the council of advisers was rejected by the Law Commission on grounds that the constitution does not allow appointment of more than 10 advisers to the caretaker government.

Asked whether the government would take the proposal to the Supreme Court, Fahim said, "It is pursuing all avenues."

He said the government is looking into the status, designation, executive authorities and selection process of new members.

Fahim cited the recent decision to delegate greater powers to ministry secretaries to share the heavy workload of the advisers each of whom are in charge of several ministries. The 10 advisers look after 45 ministries and divisions.

Fahim also said the council has not discussed revival of the National Security Council at its last two meetings.