Govt mulls imposing emergency in 12 districts of KP in first phase

The federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the first phase, with preparations for possible administrative reshuffles and police postings already completed, according to media reports.

The reports said that preliminary work had been completed on changes involving deputy commissioners and government secretaries. Lists of proposed postings for regional and district police officers have also been prepared.

A proposal to initially impose an emergency in 12 districts of the province is also under consideration, the reports said. However, the decision on whether to impose an emergency or governor’s rule would depend on the outcome of talks between government and opposition representatives, according to the sources.

They said the measures would not be taken if the negotiations were successful. Although formal talks between the government and opposition are not taking place, back-channel contacts between the two sides are continuing, the sources added.

Separately, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders are expected to meet Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday to discuss the latest political situation.

The sources said PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other party leaders would brief the chief minister on messages they had received at the federal level. The meeting is also expected to cover the proposed long march.