PESHAWAR — Pakistani authorities have completed preparations for the possible imposition of emergency measures or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the final decision reportedly contingent on the outcome of negotiations between the federal government and opposition parties, sources confirmed on Saturday.
Administrative Preparations in Place
According to sources, preliminary groundwork for administrative changes has been finalized, including the identification of candidates for deputy commissioner and secretary positions. Lists of proposed postings for regional and district police officers have also been compiled.
A proposal to initially impose emergency measures across 12 districts of the province is currently under consideration, sources added.
Decision Tied to Negotiations
The decision to implement emergency provisions or governor’s rule will ultimately depend on the results of talks between government and opposition delegations. If negotiations involving the federal government and opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), succeed, the proposed measures will not be implemented.
Federal Cabinet on Standby
Federal cabinet members have reportedly been advised to remain in Islamabad amid ongoing deliberations over the possible imposition of governor’s rule or emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sources indicated that a federal cabinet meeting is expected to be convened shortly. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior military officials are anticipated to attend the session, where reports from national security institutions will be reviewed.
PTI Convenes Emergency Meetings
Meanwhile, PTI has convened meetings of its central and core committees at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.
The meeting will be chaired by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and attended by senior party leaders, including Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, and Junaid Akbar.
According to sources, participants will discuss the party’s planned long march, ongoing negotiations with the government, and the possibility of governor’s rule or emergency measures being imposed in the province.
Political Uncertainty Looms
The developments signal mounting political tension in Pakistan, with the federal government preparing contingency measures while simultaneously pursuing a negotiated settlement with the opposition. The coming days are expected to prove decisive in determining whether the province will face extraordinary administrative measures or a resolution through political dialogue.
