PML-N govt puts KP emergency, governor’s rule options on hold: report

The federal government has decided not to impose emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and instead give the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) another opportunity to reconsider its October 4 march towards Islamabad.

Citing sources, an English daily reported that the decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with key advisers and senior members of his team, where the worsening political and security situation in KP and the PTI’s planned march came under discussion.

It said that the options of imposing emergency and governor’s rule were discussed, but no decision was taken to implement either measure at this stage. The government will instead wait to see whether the PTI calls off the October 4 march and changes its political approach, according to the report.

It said that the government was prepared to give the PTI an opportunity to reduce tensions and demonstrate its willingness to move away from what federal authorities regard as confrontational politics.

If the PTI responds positively and cancels the march, several issues concerning the party and its leadership could subsequently be addressed through political and administrative channels, the report added.

These could include improved access to PTI founder Imran Khan, consideration of medical treatment or hospitalisation where medically warranted, and arrangements for his meetings with lawyers, family members and close relatives.

Similar facilitation could also be considered for Bushra Bibi, particularly regarding meetings with her family and legal team, according to the report.