Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman firmly rejected the imposition of governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Friday, emphasizing that his party would not endorse any action that undermines or suspends the Constitution. Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Rehman also declared JI’s intention to join the upcoming all-parties conference (APC), advocating for a unified national approach addressing peace, economic challenges, and the political process.
He stressed the necessity of a national agenda that commands consensus on security, economic stability, and the people’s right to governance, underscoring that Pakistan belongs to its 250 million citizens rather than any single party or institution. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led KP administration, particularly concerning the province’s security and PTI’s planned march on Islamabad scheduled for October 4.
Recent discussions within the federal government have considered emergency measures in KP, though no immediate decisions have been finalized. Rehman reiterated JI’s longstanding opposition to such measures, stating, “If there is talk of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we do not accept it. Similarly, we will not support emergency; we oppose it.” He criticized the government for delaying meaningful negotiations with PTI and other opposition parties, suggesting that these delays have exacerbated the situation.
While welcoming the establishment of a dialogue committee, Rehman urged that it should yield tangible outcomes rather than serve as a mere “photo session.” He expressed support for several PTI demands related to the welfare of its imprisoned leader Imran Khan, advocating for unhindered access to him by party members and attention to his health concerns. He called for the Supreme Court’s rulings regarding Khan to be fully implemented and for restrictions on political gatherings to be lifted.
Rehman also highlighted the need for greater focus on the health and legal issues of detained PTI leaders and women, including Khan’s sisters and Dr. Yasmin Rashid. He insisted that courts should operate without undue hindrance and that bail procedures should not face unnecessary obstacles. “If the government makes progress on these demands, the situation will ease,” he added.
JI has engaged in discussions with PTI members, who have not dismissed the possibility of negotiations. Rehman emphasized the importance of a shared agenda that extends beyond opposition parties to restore the democratic, political, and constitutional framework in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the ruling coalition and PTI are scheduled to hold talks on Friday amid rising tensions ahead of the October 4 march. On Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reviewed the political and security situation, with particular attention to KP.
