PTI terms proposed emergency in 12 K-P districts violation of 18th Amendment as long march enters seventh day

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vehemently denounced a proposed federal emergency declaration for 12 districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), arguing that it contravenes the 18th Constitutional Amendment. PTI spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai stated in a video that the move would inflict a "serious violation" of the constitutional amendment.

The federal government has reportedly finalized plans to transfer administrative and police powers to the center in the 12 districts, citing the province's deteriorating security conditions. Yousafzai warned that PTI leaders would resign from both national and provincial assemblies if the governor's rule or emergency rule were to be imposed.

He emphasized that the PTI has consistently supported the country's institutions and called for all stakeholders to be consulted before any action is taken. An all-parties conference had previously occurred, resulting in a 15-point declaration that was sent to the federal government. Yousafzai argued that implementing this declaration could resolve the matter.

Despite the government's threats, peaceful protests continued, with Yousafzai predicting a large turnout in Swabi on October 11. He dismissed suggestions that emergency rule or governor's rule could resolve the situation, stating, "It has never been a solution." Yousafzai urged the government to abandon its stubbornness and seek a resolution through negotiations, insisting that the PTI had not made any illegal or unconstitutional demands.

He called for the implementation of High Court and Supreme Court decisions, lifting restrictions on meetings with party founder Imran Khan, and transferring him to a hospital. Yousafzai also expressed concern over the arrests of several political figures in K-P, arguing that negotiations and seriousness were needed to resolve the political crisis.