ISLAMABAD: Reports have emerged that the federal government has completed all administrative and security preparations to impose an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing political tensions and the fragile law and order situation in the province.
According to media reports citing official sources, administrative groundwork related to the transfers of all deputy commissioners and departmental secretaries has been completed. Lists for the new appointments of regional police officers and district police officers have also been prepared. Sources claim that all appointments and transfers will be carried out one hour after the constitutional measures are enforced.
A proposal under consideration is to initially impose emergency in 12 sensitive districts of the province, including former FATA areas, before extending it to the whole province. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, speaking on a TV program, clarified that emergency would be imposed across the entire province and not just 12 districts, and that this step has nothing to do with PTI’s long march but is necessary to eliminate terrorism at all costs.
Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a high-level meeting on Saturday at the PM House where President Asif Ali Zardari and senior military leadership are expected to attend. Reports from national security institutions will be reviewed and Articles 232, 233 and 234 of the Constitution will be examined. Federal cabinet members have been instructed to stay in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, back-channel and secret contacts between the government and opposition are reportedly still active. Sources say the final decision will depend on the outcome of these contacts. If negotiations succeed, the decision to impose emergency or governor’s rule could be postponed.
On the other side, the central leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has become active. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and other senior leaders are holding a key meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi today, where the chief minister will be briefed on messages and offers received through back channels at the federal level. The meeting is expected to decide strategy for the long march and response to possible constitutional measures.
PTI has warned that if governor’s rule or emergency is imposed, the party will resign from assemblies and boycott proceedings of parliament, Senate and provincial assemblies. PTI Chairman said that 76 MNAs, 25 senators and 197 MPAs from Punjab and KP would boycott under such circumstances.
Under the reported “emergency plus” plan, comprehensive arrangements have been made to control any reaction, including possible arrests or detention of the chief minister and cabinet members under 3-MPO and restrictions on protests and media access.
Read also:Governor’s Rule in KP? Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Breaks His Silence
