PTI Rejects Emergency and Governor’s Rule in KP, Calls Move a ‘Grave Political Mistake’ Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to impose an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan describing the move as a “grave political mistake”. The reaction came after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the federal cabinet’s recommendations on Sunday, October 11, under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The federal government cited security concerns and alleged shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts as reasons for the decision. The development has further intensified tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid disagreements over security policy, provincial autonomy and the party’s ongoing political campaign towards Islamabad. In a statement shared on X, Gohar said PTI rejected the decision, arguing that it undermined democratic principles and the constitutional rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He maintained that the province’s electoral mandate must be respected and that lasting peace could not be achieved by weakening provincial autonomy or escalating tensions between the federation and the province. Gohar said his party supported efforts to eliminate terrorism but warned that counterterrorism measures should not be used to restrict public opinion, pursue political objectives or undermine constitutional powers. He stressed that defeating militancy required national unity and a coordinated strategy rather than political confrontation. “Provinces cannot be weakened to strengthen the federation,” Gohar said, calling for constitutional supremacy, political dialogue and practical measures to address the country’s challenges. The PTI chairman pledged to challenge the decision through constitutional, legal and democratic forums to protect the province’s electoral mandate, autonomy and democratic rights. He also urged the federal government to reconsider its decision, saying a reversal within the coming days would demonstrate political wisdom rather than weakness. According to Gohar, continuing with the measures could create further political and economic difficulties and damage the democratic process. Separately, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser also condemned the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a post on X, Qaiser said PTI had consistently opposed terrorism and questioned the federal government’s approach to addressing the province’s security challenges. He called for the implementation of a unanimous resolution adopted by a peace jirga, saying it had received support from political parties. Qaiser argued that the rights and constitutional powers of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be disregarded in decisions of national importance. The PTI leader urged political parties to raise their voices in support of the province’s rights and vowed that his party would continue its constitutional and democratic struggle against the measures. Meanwhile, the federal government has maintained that its decision was prompted by security concerns and the need to address the deteriorating situation in the province. The opposing positions highlight the growing political dispute over how security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be handled while preserving constitutional and democratic principles.