PM Shehbaz says KP government’s last-minute U-turn left no option but governor’s rule

GUJRANWALA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s last-minute withdrawal from an agreed draft following 48 hours of negotiations left the federal government with no option but to impose emergency and governor’s rule in the province.

Addressing the media in Gujranwala, Shehbaz said a committee comprising members of the ruling coalition had held extensive discussions with the opposition, and a mutually agreed draft had been prepared to avert a long march and sit-in.

However, he said the situation changed after the other side sought time to obtain approval from the chief minister, who had not attended the meeting.

“We had no other option,” Shehbaz said, arguing that the federal government could not remain a silent spectator while the country faced the prospect of violence and disruption.

The prime minister said the decision had been taken in Pakistan’s best interests and expressed hope that the measures would produce positive results.

The premier was in Gujranwala to visit the residence of Rashid Bashir Virk and offer condolences on the death of his father, former MNA Mahmood Bashir Virk.

Shehbaz says talks failed despite repeated efforts

Shehbaz said he had held multiple meetings with the previous and outgoing chief ministers of KP, assuring them that the federal government was prepared to provide all possible resources and administrative support to address the province’s security challenges.

He described KP as a beautiful province with brave people and said he was committed to supporting its development and prosperity.

The prime minister said the discussions had focused on countering terrorism, maintaining law and order and addressing security threats, particularly those emanating from Afghanistan.

He expressed regret that, despite these efforts, security personnel and civilians continued to lose their lives in terrorist attacks.

Shehbaz also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its repeated protests and marches, saying they had caused significant economic disruption.

Referring to previous demonstrations, he alleged that the party’s actions had paralysed economic activity, affecting investment, imports, exports and workers’ livelihoods.

He further accused the PTI of preparing for widespread bloodshed during its latest planned march on Islamabad, although he did not provide evidence for the allegation in his remarks.

Advisory council to oversee provincial affairs

Defending the federal government’s decision, Shehbaz compared the situation to the Roman emperor Nero playing music while Rome burned, saying the government could not afford to watch events unfold without intervening.

He described inaction as “criminal negligence” and said the decision had been made reluctantly but in the country’s best interests.

The federal government imposed emergency and governor’s rule in KP on October 11, citing security concerns and an alleged lack of cooperation from the PTI-led provincial government in countering terrorism.

Under the measures announced, an 11-member advisory council was constituted to oversee provincial affairs.

Shehbaz described the council as comprising non-political individuals who were competent, capable and committed to their responsibilities.

He said he planned to visit the province soon and hold meetings to discuss the situation and the way forward.

PM cites relief efforts amid economic pressures

During his address, Shehbaz also highlighted the federal government’s fuel subsidy programme, saying approximately 12 million people had benefited from the initiative.

He said the programme had a budget of Rs75 billion and was intended to support people using motorcycles, rickshaws and cars with engine capacities of up to 800cc.

The prime minister said the direct and indirect benefits could extend to approximately 65 million people, based on his estimate that each household comprised five to six members.

He thanked lawmakers and political workers for helping implement the relief measures across the country.

Shehbaz also said Pakistan’s economy, which had previously faced severe difficulties, was stabilising and gradually moving towards growth despite pressures from the ongoing conflict in the Gulf and rising inflation.

He credited the country’s political and military leadership and their respective institutions for efforts to improve Pakistan’s position internationally and strengthen