Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s long march towards Islamabad has intensified political tensions as the federal government considers extraordinary measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and opposition leaders call for negotiations to prevent further escalation.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the protest, which PTI says aims to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and press its political demands. The march follows unsuccessful negotiations between the government and opposition over several contentious issues, including security cooperation in KP.
PTI Reaffirms Support For Peaceful Protest
PTI’s political and core committees have expressed support for Afridi’s leadership and rejected reports of disagreements within the party. In a statement issued after a meeting in Peshawar, the party described peaceful protest as a constitutional right and opposed the possible imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency.
The party also condemned terrorism and called for elected representatives to participate in decisions on counterterrorism policy. It warned that extraordinary measures could undermine the province’s democratic mandate and intensify political unrest.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased security precautions amid concerns surrounding the march. The federal government has maintained that security and law enforcement remain central issues in its dealings with the provincial administration.
Government Considers Constitutional Options
Sources have reported that the federal government is considering an emergency in 12 KP districts and governor’s rule elsewhere. The proposal reportedly includes a federally controlled council to manage administrative matters in the affected areas, although authorities have not officially confirmed the plan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has suggested that options for avoiding an emergency have narrowed. However, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged the prime minister to pursue negotiations with PTI instead of imposing extraordinary measures.
A PTI delegation comprising Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Asad Qaiser also met Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad as efforts to facilitate dialogue continued.
The march and the proposed emergency measures have placed further pressure on the government and opposition to find a political solution. Developments in the coming days will determine whether negotiations resume or tensions intensify.
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