Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday defended the federal government's decision to impose an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), asserting that the move was essential to prevent potential bloodshed and a total breakdown of law and order during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.
Speaking in Gujranwala, the prime minister explained that the decision, enacted on October 11 under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, was taken in the national interest. The move suspended the PTI-led provincial administration and transferred executive authority to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. PM Shehbaz remarked that remaining silent while the situation deteriorated would have amounted to "criminal negligence."
The premier highlighted a history of political instability and economic disruption caused by protests, dating back to 2013-14. He claimed that despite sincere efforts to negotiate a settlement with the provincial leadership over a 48-hour period, the talks failed after consultations with the now-suspended K-P chief minister. He further noted that the security situation in K-P had been exacerbated by a resurgence of terrorism and cross-border infiltration since 2018, requiring decisive administrative intervention.
To manage the province's affairs, the federal government has established an advisory council. PM Shehbaz described the body as a neutral, predominantly non-political group of respected individuals tasked with restoring stability. He also touched upon economic measures, mentioning a fuel subsidy scheme designed to provide relief to millions of citizens amid inflationary pressures from global unrest.
In response, PTI leader Asad Qaiser dismissed the possibility of further consultations with the federal government. Labeling the move undemocratic, Qaiser pointed to the arrests of K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Speaker Babar Saleem Swati. He stated that the joint opposition would now determine its future course of action through an All Parties Conference.
Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635380/pm-shehbaz-says-govt-had-no-other-option-but-to-impose-emergency-or-witness-bloodshed-in-k-p