ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari said on Wednesday that his party will share constitutional suggestions if the federal government seeks its input on imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Bukhari noted that governor’s rule can be imposed on the governor’s recommendation if a provincial government fails.
Federal Ministers Raise the Prospect of Governor’s Rule in KP
In recent days, ministers in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government have repeatedly warned that governor’s rule could be imposed in the violence-hit province. They have pointed to terrorism and what they call “illegal” actions by PTI-backed Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar earlier said the Constitution is clear on the imposition of an emergency. Speaking to the media, he said that if matters reached the point where the Constitution required an emergency in KP, “then it should definitely be imposed and it will be imposed”.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who belongs to the PPP, later urged the provincial government to avoid creating a situation that would force governor’s rule. He added that if President Asif Ali Zardari issued such an order, it would be carried out.
PTI Long March Rescheduled for October 4
The PTI has announced a long march towards Islamabad on October 4. The party had postponed the protest from its original date of September 27.
Bukhari Criticises PTI Leadership
Bukhari said KP is facing its worst law and order situation. He claimed that residents, including those in the chief minister’s own district, stay locked in their homes after dark.
He also questioned why PTI leaders do not attend the funerals of those martyred in terrorist attacks.
The PPP leader alleged that the PTI government’s priority is not public issues but the release of “one individual”, a reference to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been in prison since August 5, 2023.
PPP Backs Dialogue Over Confrontation
Bukhari said the PTI would find relief through the courts rather than through resistance. He added that the PPP believes in dialogue and has held negotiations even with its “worst opponents”.
“National matters can only be resolved through negotiations,” he said.
He claimed the PTI is divided internally, with each faction taking its own position. Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, he said, but an attack on the state is unacceptable.
Bukhari urged the federal government to enforce the law to prevent violence and maintain order.
APC Invitation for Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
Bukhari also said an invitation has been sent to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for the All Parties Conference convened by the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP). The decision on attending will be made at a meeting of the PPP’s central executive committee.