The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has backed negotiations with the federal government, aiming to lift governor’s rule and the state of emergency in the province, sources said on Friday. The party’s provincial parliamentary meeting was held online and drew more than 40 lawmakers, among them Ali Amin Gandapur. According to sources, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri also took part.
Lawmakers call for dialogue to lift governor’s rule
Members of the party argued that talks with the federal government should address governor’s rule and the emergency. They said dialogue should lead to the removal of both measures. The parliamentary party maintained that PTI’s mandate would be restored once governor’s rule and the emergency end.
Barrister Gohar told the meeting that most PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly also favoured negotiations. Qadri, for his part, urged patience and perseverance in difficult times, while also endorsing dialogue as the way ahead. PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai added his support, urging the federal government to ease tensions. “We are in favour of negotiations. The federal government should reduce tensions and remove governor’s rule and the emergency,” Yousafzai said.
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Proposal to include Gandapur in negotiations
Sources said some members proposed that Gandapur join the consultations with the federal government. Supporters of the idea argued that his involvement would help move matters forward through mutual consultation. Yousafzai said he had no objection if Gandapur was chosen as the party’s representative, describing him as an old and loyal companion of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Members also endorsed the decision not to summon workers onto the streets in protest against governor’s rule and the emergency. Sources said they warned that a street mobilisation could have led to incidents similar to those of May 9.
Party distances itself from remarks against state institutions
Yousafzai also made clear that PTI had no link to any comments targeting state institutions. He said that if anyone had made such statements, the party was not responsible for them.
The meeting did not specifically take up the proposed electoral reforms committee or the Pakistan Peoples Party’s offer to the opposition to join it. Sources said the matter was being handled at the federal parliamentary level.
