Govt warns of constitutional action over PTI march
The federal government has decided to respond firmly to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s conduct and use constitutional and legal options if the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) proceeds with its planned long march towards Islamabad, according to sources.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the security, political and constitutional situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to sources, participants issued what they described as a final warning to the provincial government to change its conduct, saying failure to do so could have serious consequences.
The meeting discussed various constitutional and legal options available to the federal government in response to the situation in the province. The authority to determine the province’s administrative and political future was assigned to President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz, sources said.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration over security, governance and the party’s planned march towards Islamabad.
The PTI has been gearing up for a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since 2023.
Recent reporting has also highlighted discussions over Governor’s Rule and other constitutional measures, although no such step has been formally announced.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the meeting on the security situation and preparations to deal with the PTI’s expected long march.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the constitutional and legal aspects of the situation, while Amir Muqam and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah briefed the meeting on the political situation and contacts with coalition partners.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Mohsin Naqvi, Amir Muqam and Attaullah Tarar, as well as Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, speaking to journalists in Islamabad, said he was awaiting instructions from Islamabad.
“We are subject to the state of Pakistan,” Kundi said, adding that implementing the Constitution was their fundamental responsibility.
According to sources, PM Shehbaz is expected to meet President Zardari on Thursday. The federal cabinet may also be summoned before any final constitutional step is taken.
During earlier consultations, Naqvi had briefed the prime minister on backchannel contacts with the PTI leadership, sources said.
The prime minister directed that all coalition partners and political stakeholders be taken into confidence before any major or final decision regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the sources.
The directive was aimed at ensuring that any action is taken with constitutional and political consensus.