Peshawar, October 11,2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly condemned the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the move as a “grave political mistake” and warning that it could undermine provincial autonomy and democratic rights.
The federal government decided to invoke emergency measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday. President Asif Ali Zardari subsequently approved the cabinet’s recommendations.
The Centre cited the deteriorating security situation and alleged shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts as grounds for the decision.
The development comes amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration over counterterrorism cooperation, provincial authority and the party’s ongoing long march towards Islamabad.
In a post on X, Gohar said PTI strongly condemned and completely rejected the decision, describing it as an undemocratic measure that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not accept.
He maintained that the province’s people had a constitutional and legal right to their electoral mandate, arguing that peace and stability could not be achieved by disregarding that mandate, weakening provincial autonomy or creating confrontation between the federation and the province.
The PTI chairman said his party did not dispute the need to eliminate terrorism but warned that the fight against militancy should not be used to suppress public opinion, pursue political objectives or restrict the province’s constitutional powers.
He stressed that terrorism could only be defeated through national unity and a joint strategy.
“Provinces cannot be weakened to strengthen the federation,” Gohar said, adding that the country’s problems required political wisdom, constitutional supremacy, meaningful dialogue and practical measures rather than force, confrontation and extraordinary steps.
He pledged that PTI would raise its voice through every constitutional, legal and democratic forum to protect the public mandate, provincial autonomy and democratic rights.
Gohar said strong provinces were the foundation of a strong federation, while constitutional supremacy was essential for a strong Pakistan.
Urging the federal government to reconsider its decision, he said the move could still be reversed within a few days. He called on the Centre to set aside its ego, recognise ground realities, accept legitimate demands and respect public sentiment.
He warned that persisting with the decision could cause further political and economic damage and undermine the democratic process. Reviewing political decisions, he added, was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom in the national interest.
Asad Qaiser also rejects governor’s rule
Separately, PTI leader Asad Qaiser rejected the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, vowing to continue the party’s constitutional and democratic struggle to protect the province’s rights.
In a post on X, Qaiser said PTI strongly condemned both measures and had consistently raised its voice against terrorism. He questioned the federal government’s policies, arguing that they had contributed to the current situation.
Qaiser called for the implementation of a unanimous resolution adopted by a peace jirga, which he said had the backing of all political parties. He stressed that the fundamental rights and powers of the people could not be disregarded in matters of national importance.
Urging political parties to speak up for the province’s rights, he described the proposed measures as an attack on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional rights and vowed that PTI would continue its constitutional and democratic struggle.
Junaid Akbar claims arrest
Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar claimed in a post on X that he and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been arrested.
However, the government had not issued an official statement confirming the reported arrests at the time of publication.
The developments follow PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, which began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 after negotiations between the government and opposition failed to produce an agreement.
The talks reportedly broke down over disagreements concerning counterterrorism cooperation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, including a meeting with his personal doctor.
The government and opposition traded accusations over the failure of the negotiations, while Afridi continued to lead the march through the province.
