Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal government is reviewing legal options for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Governor’s Rule.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the government would consult the Law Ministry. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would make the final decision.
Government Reviews Governor’s Rule
Naqvi said the government had already discussed the situation in K-P.
“We have already told them that whatever legal option we have, we will consult the Law Ministry, and the prime minister will decide,” he said.
His remarks came after several deadly attacks in the province. Six Pakistan Army personnel died during an exchange of fire with militants in Hangu on Sunday.
A day earlier, an attack near a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines killed at least 21 people. The victims included 15 police personnel and six civilians, according to initial official figures.
Funeral prayers for the soldiers killed in Hangu took place in Peshawar on Monday. Naqvi, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and senior civil and military officials attended.
Naqvi Criticises PTI Protest Plans
Naqvi also criticised PTI’s planned September 27 march towards Islamabad.
He questioned the party’s decision to proceed with the protest amid the recent attacks in K-P.
“Neither you nor any minister came to the funerals,” he said while addressing PTI leaders.
Naqvi argued that the protest would not benefit PTI. He also warned that prolonged demonstrations could hurt economic activity.
“I would say they still have time,” he said. “They should not go into a situation from which there is no way back.”
Government Plans Enforcement
The interior minister said authorities would implement the Islamabad High Court’s order on the planned march.
The order bars political parties from blocking roads, highways, interchanges and public buildings. It also prevents provincial governments from using state resources for protests.
“This time it will not happen that they come and the road is blocked for 10 or 20 days,” Naqvi said.
He added that authorities would leave “no loophole” if the march went ahead.
Fuel Prices Add to Political Tensions
Naqvi also discussed rising fuel prices and their possible impact on public sentiment.
He pointed to volatility in global oil markets and difficulties in maintaining supplies.
“It does not suit anyone that we increase prices,” he said.
The minister added that the prime minister was seeking ways to reduce petrol prices.
Naqvi said he remained hopeful about the broader economic situation. He cited support from traders, farmers and chambers of commerce for maintaining economic activity.
Political Tensions Continue
The government faces several political challenges ahead of PTI’s planned march.
PTI has also alleged that two sisters of party founder Imran Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan, were arrested along with several children. The claims came a day after their sister Aleema Khan was detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a separate march from Karachi towards Islamabad. The party is demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum development levy.
The government is also facing demands from farmers. Kissan Ittehad has separately announced a march seeking relief for the farming community.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government would not allow violent groups to enter Islamabad.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also warned that prolonged protests and road closures could cause major economic losses.
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