Pakistan: The federal government is considering possible constitutional measures, including an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), amid security concerns and ongoing political tensions surrounding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march towards Islamabad.
According to sources cited by Geo News on Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House to review the province’s security situation, with senior federal ministers and Interior Ministry officials expected to attend. Sources said a federal cabinet meeting may also be convened if approval is required for an emergency declaration.
Preparations for possible administrative changes have reportedly been completed, including proposed transfers and appointments of deputy commissioners, secretaries and regional and district police officers. Sources also said an initial emergency declaration covering 12 districts of KP was under consideration. However, the final decision is expected to depend on the outcome of negotiations between government and opposition representatives.
What Discussions Are Underway Between the Government and PTI?
Senior PTI leaders, including party chairman Barrister Gohar, are expected to meet KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to discuss the prevailing political situation, messages conveyed by the federal government and preparations for the long march. Sources indicated that important decisions could emerge from the meeting.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam met in Peshawar to discuss law and order, the long march and other political matters. In a joint statement, the two leaders said the federal government would take all possible measures to promote peace and development in the province and thanked the public for rejecting what they described as the politics of chaos.
What Security Arrangements Are in Place Ahead of the Long March?
The PTI long march towards Islamabad has entered its seventh day, with police personnel deployed in the capital reportedly raising concerns about their working and living conditions.
Videos circulated by Geo News showed police personnel stationed in Rawat complaining about inadequate accommodation, substandard food, unclean toilets and water shortages. More than 700 officers reportedly summoned from across Punjab have been deployed in the area.
Separately, federal cabinet members have reportedly been instructed to remain in Islamabad amid the evolving political and security situation. No final official announcement confirming the imposition of an emergency or governor’s rule had been reported in the cited updates.