Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has condemned the federal government’s decision to impose emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing it as a serious political error.
The Centre reached the decision at a cabinet meeting on Sunday chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, invoking Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. President Asif Ali Zardari later approved the cabinet’s recommendations.
Centre cites security concerns and counterterrorism shortcomings
According to the government, the decision was driven by a worsening security situation and what it described as shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts. Those grounds were presented as the basis for the move.
The step comes as friction between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration escalates. The disputes cover counterterrorism cooperation, the scope of provincial authority and the party’s ongoing long march towards Islamabad.
Gohar warns the decision would erode democracy and provincial autonomy
In a post on X, Gohar warned that the decision would undermine democratic rights and provincial autonomy. He said his party strongly condemned and fully rejected the measure, calling it undemocratic and one the public would never accept.
He argued that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hold a constitutional and legal entitlement to their electoral mandate. Peace and stability, he said, could not be achieved by ignoring that mandate, weakening the province’s autonomy or pitting the federation against the province.
Gohar said no one disputed the need to eliminate terrorism, but warned that the fight against militancy must not be used to silence public opinion, advance political aims or curb the province’s constitutional powers. He stressed that terrorism could only be defeated through national unity and a joint strategy. He said that “Provinces cannot be weakened to strengthen the federation”, adding that solutions lay in political wisdom, constitutional supremacy, dialogue and practical steps rather than force.
He pledged that the PTI would press its case through every constitutional, legal and democratic forum, and argued that strong provinces were the foundation of a strong federation.
Gohar urged the federal government to reconsider, saying the decision could still be reversed within a few days. He called on the Centre to drop its ego, acknowledge ground realities, accept legitimate demands and respect public sentiment. Persisting with the measure, he warned, could cause further political and economic harm and weaken the democratic process. Revisiting a decision, he added, reflected wisdom in the national interest rather than weakness.
Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar react to the emergency
PTI leader Asad Qaiser also rejected governor’s rule and the emergency measures in the province, vowing that his party would continue its constitutional and democratic struggle. In a post on X, he said the party condemned both steps and had always opposed terrorism. He blamed federal policies for contributing to the current situation.
Qaiser called for the implementation of a unanimous resolution adopted by the peace jirga, which he said enjoyed the backing of all political parties. He said disregarding people’s fundamental rights in major national matters was unacceptable, and described the proposed measures as an attack on the province’s constitutional rights. He urged all parties to speak up for the province.
Separately, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Junaid Akbar claimed in a post on X that he and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been arrested. The government had not issued an official statement on the reported arrests so far.
Failed talks behind the long march on Islamabad
The developments follow the PTI’s long march on Islamabad, led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, which began in Lakki Marwat on October 4. The march started after negotiations between the government and the opposition failed to produce an agreement.
The talks broke down over disagreements about counterterrorism cooperation in the province and access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, including a meeting with his personal doctor. The government and the opposition have exchanged accusations over the failure of the negotiations, while Afridi has continued leading the march through the province.
