PPP Chairman Warns of Governor’s Rule in KP
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has publicly opposed banning any political party, even as ministers from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition call for the prohibition of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Bilawal’s statement comes amid reports that the PTI has decided to initiate contact with the PPP through opposition channels.
“I am not in favour of banning any political party, but the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must improve their conduct,” Bilawal stated during a media interaction in Lahore. He issued a stern warning that if a political party becomes a facilitator for terrorists, imposing governor’s rule in the province might become “unavoidable.”
PTI Initiates Contact Through Opposition Alliance
Sources indicate the PTI has decided to reach out to the PPP—a key ally of the PML-N at the federal level—via the multi-party opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP). The PPP is expected to be invited to a two-day national conference aimed at exploring avenues for political dialogue. Notably, the ruling PML-N would not receive an invitation to this conference.
According to sources, the PTI has conditioned any potential negotiations with the government on a meeting between political allies, including Mahmood Achakzai, and the jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan.
Security Concerns and Political Criticism
Bilawal highlighted the deteriorating security situation, stating a “war-like situation is developing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” He affirmed that threats from Afghanistan were materializing, with terrorists from across the border carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil. “This is a serious risk, and our armed forces are confronting the challenge,” he added.
The former foreign minister also criticized what he described as attempts by “political forces” to undermine state institutions. “A political party is acting like a ‘political dajjal’. They want to create a wedge between the public and the armed forces,” Bilawal said, urging the unnamed party to rectify its conduct.
Background on Governor’s Rule Debate
The debate about imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa intensified after State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik stated the federal government was “seriously considering” the move, citing security and governance issues. In response, PTI-backed KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi dared the federal government to proceed with the measure.
Separately, Bilawal welcomed the idea of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz contesting elections from Sindh, urging all political parties to participate actively in the province’s polls.
