Pakistan Peoples Party Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari made it clear on Wednesday that his party is ready to offer constitutional advice if the federal government seeks input on imposing governor rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He explained that such a step can be taken on the recommendation of the governor whenever a provincial government fails to perform its duties.
Ministers from the PML-N-led federal setup have already warned several times about the possibility of governor rule in KP. They point to growing terrorism and what they call illegal moves by the PTI-backed provincial administration under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. At the same time, PTI has planned a long march to Islamabad on October 4 after delaying it from the earlier date of September 27.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had earlier stated that the Constitution is very clear on emergencies. He said if the situation in KP reaches that level, emergency measures must and will be applied. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who belongs to the PPP, has urged the provincial government to avoid creating conditions that force such a decision. Yet he confirmed that any order from President Asif Ali Zardari would be carried out without delay.
Bukhari described the law and order situation in KP as the worst in recent times. He noted that people, including residents of the chief minister’s own district, are forced to stay indoors after evening. He also questioned why PTI leaders stay away from the funerals of those killed in terrorist attacks. According to him, the PTI government’s main focus remains the release of one individual rather than solving public problems. That individual is the jailed founder of the party, Imran Khan, who has been in custody since August 2023.
The PPP leader stressed that real solutions come through talks, not confrontation. He said his party has always preferred dialogue, even with its strongest opponents. Bukhari claimed PTI is dealing with internal splits, with different groups taking separate stands. While peaceful protest remains every citizen’s right, any attack on the state cannot be accepted. He called on the federal government to enforce the law strictly so that violence does not spread further.
An invitation has also been sent to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for the All Parties Conference arranged by Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan. The final decision on attending that meeting will be taken by the PPP’s central executive committee.
