The federal cabinet is weighing an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the PTI says its march for Imran Khan’s release will continue.
The KP emergency question reached a decisive point on Sunday as the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, met to review the security and political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Samaa reported that no formal decision had been announced at the time of its report. The meeting came as the PTI long march moved toward Swabi, where the party planned to reveal its next steps.
Federal Cabinet Weighs KP Emergency and Governor’s Rule
The presidency said President Asif Ali Zardari was briefed on the worsening law and order situation in the province. The president and the prime minister met on Saturday, and sources said they agreed on the emergency plan. Dawn reported that the government plans to use Articles 232, 233 and 234 of the Constitution.
Aaj English reported that the proposals cover 12 districts, including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan. Pakistan Observer, however, quoted a federal minister saying an emergency would cover the whole province. Separate National Assembly and Senate sessions are set for Oct 13, according to The News.
Why Talks Between the Government and PTI Failed
Daily Times reported that the Oct 3 negotiations broke down largely over counterterrorism policy. According to Dawn, federal ministers now link that dispute to a possible emergency or governor’s rule. Dawn also reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said he had “nothing left” to offer the PTI.
On Oct 8, Geo News reported that Jamiat Ulema Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman conveyed a government offer to the PTI. The party then called an emergency meeting. A senior party leader told Dawn that the group was only a facilitator of talks. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said further talks depend on the PTI calling off its marches and protests.
Where the PTI Long March Stands Now
AP reported that more than 5,000 supporters set out from Lakki Marwat on Oct 4. The march was first planned for Sept 27. Reuters, as carried by Khaleej Times, said authorities had blocked highways to Islamabad with shipping containers before the postponement.
Dawn reported that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi invited people from across Pakistan to gather at Swabi Interchange on Oct 11. Arab News said he would announce the next course of action on Oct 13. Dawn noted that the march has so far stayed within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the PTI governs.
Will Governor’s Rule Be Imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
No official order had been reported at the time of writing. Geo News said Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stated that the cabinet would decide whether to impose an emergency, governor’s rule or both. The Nation quoted a federal minister saying any emergency would depend on the province’s handling of law and order, not on the march.
Pakistan Today reported that Afridi vowed to resist any illegal move. Samaa reported that the PTI said such measures would violate the province’s democratic mandate. The party said it considers the long march still on.
Coalition Alignment Behind the Plan
Dawn reported that leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party finalized a plan to bring the province under federal control. Daily Times reported that Governor Kundi and federal minister Amir Muqam said KP residents had rejected the politics of unrest. PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan told the same outlet that the dispute concerns the method of fighting terrorism, not the goal.
