Federal government weighs emergency in KP as PTI march heads towards Islamabad

Federal cabinet to consider emergency proposal

The reported KP emergency plan emerged after a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday.

Senior government figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, attended the meeting. Pakistan Peoples Party leaders were also present.

Sources said the federal cabinet was scheduled to meet on Sunday morning to consider the proposal. However, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said no official decision had been taken on imposing an emergency or governor’s rule.

The President House confirmed that separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate would be held on October 13.

Fazlur Rehman urges talks with PTI

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke by telephone with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and invited him to a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House.

During their discussion, Fazlur Rehman reportedly urged the government to continue negotiations with PTI instead of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule.

He called for meaningful dialogue to resolve the political crisis and sought time to consult opposition and PTI leaders. The prime minister said the government was making efforts to settle the matter through mutual understanding.

Fazlur Rehman later contacted opposition and PTI leaders in Islamabad as the PTI march Islamabad continued to raise political concerns.

Governor and interior minister comment on situation

Speaking on Geo News programme Naya Pakistan, Governor Kundi said the federal cabinet would decide whether to impose an emergency, governor’s rule or both.

He criticised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and questioned the provincial government’s handling of security issues. Kundi also ruled out further talks with the PTI-led provincial government.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately suggested that few options remained to avoid an emergency. Responding to journalists, he said he had made extensive efforts to resolve the matter.

However, the final decision rests with the relevant federal authorities.

Read Also: Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi and Murree for 30 days

Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi

Meanwhile, authorities have imposed Section 144 across Rawalpindi district from October 10 to November 8.

The order bans public gatherings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and protests. Gatherings of five or more people are also prohibited.

Carrying weapons, sticks and petrol bombs, pillion riding on motorcycles and using loudspeakers have also been banned. Officials have warned of legal action against violators.

PTI march adds to political tensions

PTI launched the PTI march Islamabad on October 4, seeking the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan and what the party describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.

The federal and KP governments have also disagreed over counter-terrorism policy and other issues. Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and faces multiple cases.

The proposed KP emergency has added to uncertainty as the government considers its response to the ongoing political situation.