Barrister Gohar calls emergency in KP ‘undemocratic’, warns of political fallout

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Sunday strongly condemned the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rune in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rejecting the federal government’s decision as an “undemocratic” move and warning that it could deepen political confrontation between the Centre and the province.

In a statement, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar described the decision as a serious political mistake, saying the people of KP would not accept measures that undermined their rights and electoral mandate.

“The mandate of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is their constitutional and legal right,” he said, adding that peace and stability could not be achieved by disregarding that mandate, weakening provincial autonomy or creating a confrontation between the federal and provincial governments.

Gohar said there was no disagreement over the need to eliminate terrorism but argued that the fight against militancy could not be used to suppress public voices, pursue political objectives or curtail the province’s constitutional powers.

“Combating terrorism is possible only through national unity and a joint strategy,” he said.

The PTI chairman maintained that weakening provinces would not strengthen the federation, adding that political wisdom, constitutional supremacy, meaningful dialogue and practical measures were needed to resolve the country’s problems rather than coercion, confrontation and extraordinary measures.

He said the party would raise its voice on every constitutional, legal and democratic forum to protect the public mandate, provincial autonomy and democratic rights.

“Strong provinces are the foundation of a strong federation, and the rule of the Constitution is the guarantee of a strong Pakistan,” he said.

Gohar urged the federal government to reconsider its decision, saying there was still time to withdraw it within days.

He called on the Centre to set aside its ego, understand ground realities, accept legitimate demands and respect public sentiments to prevent further political and economic damage and avoid setbacks to the democratic process.

“Reviewing political decisions is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom in the national interest,” he said, warning that failure to reconsider the move could lead to serious consequences.

President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the advice sent by the Prime Minister’s Office to impose an emergency in KP amid concerns over the deteriorating security situation, according to the presidential proclamation.