ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has condemned the federal government’s decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while claiming that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and provincial party president Junaid Akbar have been arrested.
The party described the measures as unconstitutional and undemocratic, accusing the federal government of political victimisation and undermining the province’s elected leadership, constitutional rights and autonomy.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the reported arrests reflected an attempt to weaken the provincial government and disregard the democratic mandate of the people. He called for respect for the rule of law and due process, arguing that political disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than coercive measures.
However, the federal government had not officially confirmed the reported arrests at the time of the statements cited in the report. State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said some individuals wanted in criminal cases had been detained to maintain law and order, adding that those not wanted in any case would be released.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also said individuals held in preventive custody would be released if they were not wanted in criminal cases. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi maintained that any formal arrests would be publicly announced.
KP Information Minister Shafi Jan separately claimed that Afridi had been arrested and urged people across the province, particularly residents of the tribal districts, to gather in Peshawar in support of the chief minister.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan described the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule as a grave political mistake, warning that the measures could intensify tensions between the federation and the province.
He said PTI recognised the need to eliminate terrorism but argued that counterterrorism efforts should not be used to suppress public opinion, pursue political objectives or restrict provincial constitutional powers.
Gohar stressed that national unity, a joint strategy, political wisdom and meaningful negotiations were essential to restoring peace. He urged the federal government to reconsider its decision, warning that continued confrontation could cause further political and economic damage and undermine the democratic process.
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser also rejected the measures, questioned the federal government’s policies and called for implementation of a unanimous peace jirga resolution that he said had the backing of all political parties.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan demanded the removal of the emergency measures, insisting that KP should be governed by its elected representatives and that political disputes should be resolved through dialogue.
Former federal minister Asad Umar criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, arguing that their approval of the measures could initiate a process that might dismantle the existing political system.
Federal government cites security concerns
The federal government decided to invoke emergency measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday. President Zardari subsequently approved the cabinet’s recommendations.
The Centre cited the deteriorating security situation and alleged shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts as grounds for the decision.
The developments came amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration over counterterrorism cooperation, provincial authority and the party’s ongoing long march towards Islamabad.
The march, led by Afridi, began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 after negotiations between the government and opposition failed to produce an agreement. The talks reportedly broke down over counterterrorism cooperation in KP and access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, including a meeting with his personal doctor.
Despite the political developments, Junaid Akbar vowed that the long march would continue regardless of whether governor’s rule or martial law was imposed, saying participants had reached Swabi.
PTI leaders pledged to continue their constitutional and democratic struggle to protect the province’s public mandate, autonomy and fundamental rights.