DID Press: Tensions between Pakistan’s federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have intensified over the political and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with federal officials discussing the possibility of imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in the province. PTI leaders have rejected the prospect and vowed to continue their political campaign in support of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said governor’s rule or an emergency could be imposed if the constitutional conditions for such measures were met. He stressed that any such decision would have to be taken within the framework of Pakistan’s Constitution.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has also raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation, citing recent attacks in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. He said governor’s rule is provided for under the Constitution and could be considered if conditions deteriorate further.
PTI-led provincial authorities have rejected the prospect of such a move. Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi said he would not accept any action contrary to what he described as the public mandate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also said 35 billion Pakistani rupees had been redirected from the provincial development budget to the police to strengthen security.
The dispute comes as PTI prepares for a march toward Islamabad in support of Imran Khan. The party postponed the planned march from September 27 to October 4, according to Reuters and other Pakistani media reports.
The confrontation has intensified amid continuing security problems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with federal and provincial authorities offering sharply different assessments of the causes and response to the violence.