Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has opposed the federal government’s decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling it a “grave political mistake” that threatens democracy and provincial autonomy.
The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution on Sunday, with President Asif Ali Zardari subsequently endorsing the recommendations.
The government cited worsening security conditions and alleged shortcomings in the provincial administration’s counterterrorism efforts.
In a post on X, Gohar said peace could not be achieved by disregarding the people’s electoral mandate or weakening provincial powers. He stressed that tackling terrorism required national unity, coordination and political dialogue rather than confrontation.
The PTI chairman urged the federal government to reverse its decision, warning that the move could further damage the country’s political and economic stability. He vowed to challenge the measures through constitutional, legal and democratic forums.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser also rejected the decision, calling for the implementation of a peace jirga’s unanimous resolution and urging political parties to defend KP’s constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar claimed that he and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been arrested. The government had not officially confirmed the reported arrests.
The developments come amid heightened tensions following the PTI’s march towards Islamabad, launched from Lakki Marwat on October 4 after government-opposition talks collapsed over counterterrorism cooperation in KP and access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
