Bilawal warns PTI as KP emergency looms

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon what he described as extremist politics and resume dialogue with the federal government. His remarks came as the government reportedly considered imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid PTI’s ongoing march towards Islamabad.

Addressing an event in Karachi on October 9, Bilawal said Pakistan’s political history showed that those imprisoned today could return to power in the future. However, he argued that PTI would need to change its political approach to improve its circumstances.

Referring to PTI founder Imran Khan, Bilawal warned that continued confrontation could further complicate the party’s political position. He also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accusing him of pursuing a confrontational approach that was damaging PTI’s interests.

The PPP chairman urged PTI leaders to participate in parliamentary committees and engage in negotiations with the federal government. He suggested that dialogue and parliamentary engagement could help ease political tensions.

Meanwhile, the federal government is reportedly considering constitutional measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as PTI continues its march towards Islamabad, demanding Imran Khan’s release. According to official sources cited in reports, a high-level meeting is expected to take place on October 10 to assess the province’s political and security situation.

The meeting is expected to bring together President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials. Security reports from relevant institutions are also expected to be reviewed before any decision is made.

One proposal reportedly under consideration involves imposing an emergency in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged tribal districts. The government is also said to be examining measures that could give the federal administration greater authority in the province.

Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution may be considered during the deliberations. These provisions deal with emergency-related constitutional arrangements and certain powers of the federation and provincial governors.

However, governor’s rule has reportedly been described as a last resort. No final decision had been announced at the time of reporting, and the government’s next steps were expected to depend on the outcome of the meeting and its assessment of the province’s security situation.