PTI lawmakers back talks with federal govt to resolve KP crisis
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) provincial parliamentary party has backed negotiations with the federal government to resolve the political crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency, party sources said on Friday.
The decision was taken during an online meeting of the party’s provincial parliamentary group in Peshawar, attended by more than 40 lawmakers, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Noorul Haq Qadri.
According to sources, participants agreed that negotiations with the federal government should be pursued to address the issues and pave the way for the withdrawal of governor’s rule and the emergency.
The lawmakers also proposed including Gandapur in the negotiating team, saying his participation would help advance discussions through mutual consultation.
Participants expressed the view that the withdrawal of governor’s rule and emergency could help restore PTI’s mandate in the province.
The parliamentary party also endorsed the decision not to call party workers onto the streets following the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency. Members said street protests could have led to incidents similar to those of May 9.
Speaking after the meeting, Barrister Gohar said a majority of PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly also supported negotiations with the federal government.
Noorul Haq Qadri called for patience and restraint during the difficult political situation, saying he was in favour of dialogue.
Separately, PTI provincial information secretary Shaukat Yousafzai also endorsed negotiations, urging the federal government to reduce political tensions and withdraw governor’s rule and emergency.
He said there should be no objection if the provincial parliamentary party wanted Gandapur to represent it in the negotiations.
Describing Gandapur as a longstanding and loyal associate of PTI founder Imran Khan, Yousafzai said anyone making statements against state institutions had no connection with the party.