Pakistan: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon what he described as “extremist” politics and engage in dialogue with the federal government as authorities consider imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) amid the party’s ongoing long march towards Islamabad.
Speaking at an event in Karachi on October 9, Bilawal said Pakistan’s political history showed that those imprisoned today could return to power in the future. He warned that PTI founder Imran Khan could exceed President Asif Ali Zardari’s record of 14 years in prison if the party continued its current political approach.
Bilawal also criticised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accusing him of pursuing confrontational politics that could harm PTI itself. He called on the party to participate in parliamentary committees and resume negotiations with the federal government.
Why Is the Federal Government Considering Emergency Measures in KP?
According to sources cited by Geo News, the federal government is weighing constitutional options in response to the province’s security situation and the ongoing political tensions surrounding PTI’s march.
A high-level meeting was expected on Saturday to review reports from national security institutions. Sources said the meeting could involve President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials.
One proposal under consideration involves imposing an emergency in 12 districts, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) merged districts. Sources also indicated that the federal government could assume certain key powers in the province.
What Constitutional Options Are Under Consideration?
Sources said Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution could be examined as part of the deliberations. These provisions address emergency-related powers and constitutional arrangements, including measures concerning provincial governance.
Bilawal indicated that governor’s rule would be a last resort, while advocating political dialogue as a means of addressing the prevailing tensions.
Meanwhile, PTI continues its march towards Islamabad, demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan. The government’s deliberations and Bilawal’s call for negotiations come amid continuing political uncertainty over the province’s security and governance.