Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has said that several constitutional options are available against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, including the possibility of imposing emergency rule.
Speaking in a television programme, Malik said Afridi’s position as chief minister appeared uncertain and that another person could replace him under different constitutional provisions.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) maintained that its planned march would take place at its own discretion, while the federal government wanted to engage with the party through dialogue.
Malik said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also wanted talks, adding that the government sought to resolve the issues through understanding.
Commenting on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Malik criticised the provincial leadership and alleged that its policies had contributed to the worsening law and order situation.
He also alleged that banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members were being provided protection in the province and accused political figures of having links with criminal elements.
Malik further accused the chief minister and provincial cabinet of criminal negligence, saying that there would be consequences for what he described as their failure to address the situation.
His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the federal and KP governments over security, governance and political issues.
Earlier, Malik had also said that the federal government was seriously considering the imposition of governor’s rule in the province, citing security and governance concerns.
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