Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD: Amid increasing speculation over the possible imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified on Saturday that the federal government has no intention of taking such action against the PTI-led administration in the province.
This statement comes after reports that the federal cabinet had deliberated on the matter in light of recent political tensions.
Sources revealed that during a cabinet meeting earlier this week, the government discussed the option of governor’s rule in KP.
The meeting reportedly criticized the KP government under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for allegedly using state resources to facilitate the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad.
However, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah disclosed during program’ Capital Talk that the cabinet could not reach a consensus on the matter, leading to a deferment of the decision for further discussion.
Addressing a press conference, Khawaja Asif accused PTI of attempting to destabilize the country and harm its economy through repeated confrontations. “PTI launched a third onslaught on the Centre, which was successfully thwarted,” he remarked.
Dismissing PTI’s allegations that civilians had been killed by law enforcement during the protests, Asif countered that no evidence supported these claims, adding that several security personnel had been martyred while maintaining order.
Earlier, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram had alleged that at least 12 civilians were killed and their bodies were not returned to families.
Government authorities denied these claims, confirming that five security personnel, including three Rangers and two Punjab police officers, were martyred during the clashes.
Asif further accused the KP administration of using government weapons against federal forces, urging the provincial authorities to prioritize addressing internal security issues, particularly in conflict-ridden Parachinar.
Ongoing tribal clashes in Kurram District have resulted in 124 deaths and 178 injuries over ten days, with fresh incidents continuing to claim lives.
Separately, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan reiterated the PPP’s opposition to imposing governor’s rule in KP. He criticized PTI’s alleged militant tendencies and advised the party to reevaluate its approach, warning that such behavior could lead to serious repercussions.
The situation remains tense, with political and security challenges compounding the already volatile environment in KP.
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