ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly criticised the federal government’s decision to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing it as political immaturity and a “slap in the face of democracy.”
Barrister Gohar said the imposition of an emergency in the province undermined public rights and provincial autonomy. He maintained that the mandate given by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was their constitutional and legal right, adding that peace could not be restored by disregarding that mandate. He warned that confrontation between the federal and provincial governments would only complicate matters further.
Rejecting the presidential proclamation, the PTI chairman said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not accept the imposition of an emergency, which he described as an unconstitutional measure.
He argued that peace could never be restored by stripping the provincial government of its powers and undermining provincial autonomy. He added that a culture of confrontation between the centre and the provinces was pushing the country towards further instability.
Terrorism Must Not Be Used to Curtail Public Rights
Speaking about the fight against terrorism, Barrister Gohar said the entire nation was united in its resolve to eliminate the menace, with no disagreement over the need to combat it.
However, he stressed that the fight against terrorism must not be used as a pretext to deprive citizens of their fundamental and constitutional rights or silence political opponents. He said such tactics would not be allowed to succeed.
The PTI chairman further argued that weakening the federating units could never strengthen the federation. According to him, the way out of the country’s current crises lies not in the use of force but in upholding the rule of law and holding meaningful political negotiations.
He said PTI would continue to raise its voice on every available constitutional platform to protect the public’s fundamental democratic rights.
Gohar Urges Government to Reverse Emergency Decision
Advising the government to reconsider its position, Barrister Gohar urged the ruling authorities to set aside their stubbornness and ego and address the legitimate demands of the people.
He called for the immediate withdrawal of the emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that reviewing a political decision was not a sign of weakness but a prudent step in the public interest.
He warned that failure to reverse the decision promptly could expose the country to serious and potentially irreversible political and economic consequences.
