ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has condemned the federal government’s decision to impose emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), calling it a “grave political mistake.”
The federal government decided to invoke emergency measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday. President Asif Ali Zardari later approved the cabinet’s recommendations.
The Centre cited the deteriorating security situation and alleged shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts as reasons for the decision.
The move comes amid growing tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration. The two sides have disagreed over counterterrorism cooperation, provincial authority and the party’s ongoing long march towards Islamabad.
In a post on X, Gohar warned that the decision would undermine democratic rights and provincial autonomy.
He said the PTI strongly condemned and completely rejected the move, describing it as undemocratic and insisting that the people would not accept it.
Gohar Calls for Dialogue and Constitutional Supremacy
Gohar maintained that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have a constitutional and legal right to their electoral mandate. He argued that peace and stability could not be achieved by disregarding that mandate, weakening provincial autonomy or creating confrontation between the federation and the province.
He acknowledged that eliminating terrorism was essential. However, he warned that the fight against militancy must not be used to suppress public opinion, pursue political objectives or restrict the province’s constitutional powers.
According to Gohar, defeating terrorism requires national unity and a coordinated strategy.
“Provinces cannot be weakened to strengthen the federation,” he said.
He added that the country’s problems required political wisdom, constitutional supremacy, meaningful dialogue and practical measures rather than force, confrontation and extraordinary steps.
The PTI chairman pledged to raise his party’s voice through constitutional, legal and democratic forums to protect the public mandate, provincial autonomy and democratic rights.
He also said strong provinces were the foundation of a strong federation, while constitutional supremacy was essential for a strong Pakistan.
Gohar urged the federal government to reconsider its decision, saying it could still reverse the move within a few days. He called on the Centre to set aside its ego, recognise ground realities, address legitimate demands and respect public sentiment.
He warned that continuing with the decision could cause further political and economic damage and undermine the democratic process. Reviewing political decisions, he added, was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom in the national interest.
Asad Qaiser Also Rejects Emergency Measures
Separately, PTI leader Asad Qaiser rejected the proposed emergency and governor’s rule in KP, vowing to continue the party’s constitutional and democratic struggle to protect the province’s rights.
In a post on X, Qaiser said the party strongly condemned both measures. He added that the PTI had consistently raised its voice against terrorism.
Qaiser also questioned the federal government’s policies, arguing that they had contributed to the current situation.
He called for the implementation of a unanimous resolution adopted by a peace jirga, which he said had the support of all political parties. He stressed that authorities must not disregard people’s fundamental rights and their role in important national matters.
The PTI leader urged political parties to speak up for KP’s rights. He described the proposed measures as an attack on the province’s constitutional rights and vowed to continue the party’s democratic struggle.
PTI Leaders Claim Arrests Amid Political Tensions
Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar claimed in a post on X that he and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been arrested.
However, the government had not issued an official statement confirming the reported arrests at the time of the report.
The developments follow the PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, led by Afridi. The march began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 after negotiations between the government and opposition failed to reach an agreement.
The talks broke down over disagreements concerning counterterrorism cooperation in KP and access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, including a meeting with his personal doctor.
Both sides exchanged accusations over the failure of the negotiations, while Afridi continued leading the march through the province.
