Federation and PTI face to face , Political crisis intensifies

Government begins open discussion on constitutional emergency and possibilities of Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Governor's rule casts shadow over KPK government, October 4 march enters decisive phase, more containers arrive in Islamabad

       

                    The political front heats up in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, federation and PTI come face to face. The political crisis has intensified after the federal government began open discussions on the possibilities of constitutional emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while PTI has announced to continue the October 4 Islamabad long march at all costs. 

                    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has made it clear that he will lead the march on October 4 and the first phase is scheduled to reach Swabi, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar also confirmed that the call for the march will be maintained and called it a peaceful political activity. On the other hand, there have been calls from within PTI to postpone the march. The party’s provincial information secretary Shaukat Yousafzai has written a letter to the leadership suggesting further postponing the march due to the current security situation and fears of a possible emergency. Meanwhile, the federal government’s statements have become more stringent.

                Federal ministers are calling the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the basis for Governor’s rule or other constitutional measures, while PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari has also said that his party will give constitutional suggestions on the issue of Governor’s rule if the federation consults. Security preparations are also underway in Islamabad in view of the possible march on October 4. Containers are present around important places, especially the Red Zone, and a security cordon has been maintained. Thus, the real test will now be on October 4: on the one hand, PTI’s Islamabad march, on the other hand, the federation’s echo of constitutional options against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, while there are also reports of behind-the-scenes political contacts. 

               However, no final secret agreement or deal has been independently confirmed. One thing is clear in the current situation that by October 4, the political tension between the federation and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has entered a more critical phase. This is breaking news, not analysis; and I have deliberately not made unconfirmed definitive claims like “Governor’s rule is about to be imposed” or “a deal has been struck.” The biggest confirmed news at this time is that the march is ongoing, the Chief Minister has announced its leadership, and an open discussion on constitutional options against KP has begun at the federal level. It is also noteworthy that more than a dozen containers have arrived in Islamabad at this time and are being placed in the red zone in addition to the internal and external routes.

Federal government , PTI , constitutional emergency and governor's rule in KPK