Pakistan May Impose Emergency Amid PTI Long March

Tensions are mounting in Pakistan as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues its long march demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Amid the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting to review security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sources said the possibility of imposing an emergency in the province may also be discussed.

According to Geo News, the meeting is scheduled to take place at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday (October 10). Senior federal ministers and top officials of the Interior Ministry are expected to attend. The prime minister will be briefed on the overall security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sources said the possibility of declaring an emergency in the province may be discussed in light of the situation. Any such decision would require approval from the federal cabinet. The prime minister may convene a cabinet meeting to secure that approval, the report said. However, no final decision on imposing an emergency has been announced.

Earlier, Minister of State for Interior Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal government had discussed the possibility of imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, he did not clarify what decision had been taken. In an interview with Geo News, he said meetings at the Prime Minister’s House were routine. He did not confirm reports that a special meeting had been called to make a final decision on imposing an emergency.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said PTI marchers will not be allowed to enter Islamabad. He said the situation would be brought to an end this time. He also said the party would not be allowed to disrupt normal business activities in the capital through its protests.

The PTI has continued its long march for the sixth consecutive day, demanding Imran Khan’s release. Party leaders and activists are taking part in the march under the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. They have vowed to continue the movement until their demands are met.

The provincial government’s role in the march has also sparked political controversy. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and Pakistan Peoples Party leader Faisal Karim Kundi has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation. He has also questioned the provincial government’s role and its efforts to implement the National Action Plan.

Meanwhile, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has accused incumbent Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of compromising on key party issues. In a leaked audio message, he accused Afridi of making concessions and limiting access to Imran Khan. Gandapur’s spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the audio. Afridi has not commented on the allegations.

As the PTI long march continues and the federal government takes a hard line against attempts to enter Islamabad, concerns over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are growing. However, whether an emergency will be declared in the province remains uncertain.

Source: Geo News