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 return to parliamentary dialogue as tensions rise over the party’s planned march towards Islamabad.
Speaking at an event in Karachi on October 9, 2026, Bilawal said Pakistan’s political history showed that imprisonment did not necessarily end a politician’s career. He noted that political circumstances could change over time, suggesting that those behind bars today might hold positions of power in the future.
However, he warned that PTI’s confrontational approach could damage the party’s political prospects. Referring to its founder, Imran Khan, Bilawal said Khan could face an extended period in prison if the party continued along its current path.
The PPP chairman also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accusing him of pursuing negative politics. He called on PTI to participate in parliamentary committees and engage in meaningful discussions with the federal government to ease political tensions.
Meanwhile, the federal government is reportedly considering imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as PTI continues its march towards Islamabad. The party is demanding the release of Imran Khan, keeping the political situation tense.
According to sources, a high-level government meeting is expected to review security reports and discuss possible measures. The meeting is expected to involve President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials.
One proposal reportedly under consideration involves imposing an emergency in 12 districts, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas, which have since been merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Another option could involve the federal government assuming certain powers within the province.
Sources indicated that Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution could be discussed during the meeting. These provisions concern constitutional emergency arrangements and related powers.
Bilawal, however, described governor’s rule as a last resort. The government’s final decision will depend on the discussions and security assessments, according to the reported information.
