Joint opposition demands end to KP governor’s rule

ISLAMABAD: A joint meeting of opposition parties has demanded the immediate withdrawal of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling on the federal government to respect the democratic mandate of the province’s people.

The demand was made during a meeting of opposition parliamentary parties at Parliament House on Tuesday. The participants strongly criticised the removal of the elected provincial government, the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule, and the arrests of political leaders and workers.

The meeting was chaired by National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai. Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other opposition leaders also attended.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the opposition described October 11 as a dark day in Pakistan’s democratic history. It said the removal of the elected government in KP and the arrests of PTI leaders, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, contradicted the public mandate and democratic principles.

The participants called for the protection of the fundamental rights of all detained political leaders and workers. They also stressed the need to uphold the Constitution, ensure the rule of law and protect democratic institutions.

During the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman briefed participants on his negotiations with the government. He reportedly informed them that the decision concerning KP had been taken despite the completion of talks.

The opposition leaders appreciated his efforts to promote dialogue, reduce political tensions and resolve disputes through negotiations. However, they expressed concern that the political process had failed to prevent the federal government’s move against the provincial administration.

The meeting also questioned what participants described as different standards in the federal government’s approach towards Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The opposition maintained that similar principles should apply to all provinces when addressing law-and-order challenges or constitutional disputes.

The statement emphasised that dissolving an elected government or taking action on the basis of political differences could not provide a lasting solution to provincial challenges. It called for equal respect for the rights of citizens and the mandates of elected representatives in KP, Balochistan and other provinces.

The opposition further urged the federal government to avoid unilateral decisions and develop a comprehensive national strategy to combat terrorism. It said the strategy should be formulated in consultation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to security threats.

The participants also stressed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should receive the resources required to address its security challenges. They maintained that consultation, constitutional safeguards and cooperation between the federation and the provinces were essential to resolving political disputes and improving the security situation.