‘Negotiations were a sham’: Raja Nasir Abbas lambasts government for pre-planning governor’s rule

Opposition Senator Raja Nasir Abbas accused the government of conducting negotiations in bad faith, contending that the decision to impose a governor's rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) had already been determined before the talks commenced. The federal administration instituted an emergency and governor's rule in K-P on Sunday, citing a surge in lawlessness and insufficient support from the provincial administration in the battle against terrorism.

Abbas asserted during a Senate session presided over by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani that the opposition had demonstrated flexibility by withdrawing from their demand for a meeting with Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whereas the government declined to reconsider its stance.

He contended that the opposition was being denied access to Imran Khan, who serves as the head of the PTI, implying that the government was not genuinely interested in political dialogue. Abbas stressed that the opposition remained open to compromise during negotiations but criticized the government's premeditated decision to impose the governor's rule. He expressed concern that such actions could exacerbate political tensions and undermine stability in the region.

The opposition leader also pointed out that the government's actions suggested that political struggle and recourse to the judiciary carried little weight, warning that such measures could lead to frustration and potentially further instability and militancy. He criticized the reported intention of imposing the governor's rule, arguing that it could have the opposite effect of its intended purpose by inciting more people to engage in violent activities.

Abbas likened the government's approach to that of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, questioning why a democratic government could not accommodate political disagreement. He also alleged that PTI lawmakers were being abducted, and urged the government to end the governor's rule, warning that it would not bring lasting peace and could inflict further damage on the country. He reiterated that peace cannot be established through such measures, emphasizing that Pakistan will suffer the consequences.