Minister says federal govt 'seriously considering' imposition of emergency in KP

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has stated that the federal government is seriously contemplating the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The government has threatened to remove the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in KP through governor's rule or an emergency if they do not retract their plan to march to Islamabad on October 4.

This march is part of the PTI's nationwide protest demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and remains a contentious issue between the government and the opposition party. The federal ministers have also cited the security situation in KP as a reason for their consideration of an emergency. Chaudhry, while speaking to the media at Parliament House, reiterated the security concerns and mentioned that the imposition of an emergency under Article 232 is being discussed.

He expressed confidence that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), an ally of the ruling PML-N in the Centre, would also cooperate in this matter. The PPP Secretary General, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, called for a peaceful resolution to the situation, emphasizing that if the federal government consulted the party about imposing the governor's rule, they would provide their views strictly in accordance with the Constitution and law.

Bukhari stressed that peaceful protest is a democratic right, but attacking the state under the guise of politics is unacceptable. The PPP has always believed in dialogue and resolving national issues through meaningful political engagement. Regarding the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) invitation for a multiparty conference, Bukhari stated that the matter would be considered by the PPP's Central Executive Committee, which would make the final decision.

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan opposed the imposition of a state of emergency or governor's rule in KP, warning that non-democratic powers would benefit if such a move was made. He reiterated that the long march would be peaceful.