ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced on Tuesday that his party will challenge the state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Additionally, he said that they will also challenge the implementation of governor’s rule. Both cases will be brought in the Peshawar High Court.
In an interview with ARY News, Gohar branded both measures unconstitutional. He said PTI lawyers would file a petition against the federal government’s decision. “We are supporters of democracy and an independent judiciary in the country,” he emphasised.
Gohar argued that the removal of an elected provincial government through emergency measures is illegal. Moreover, he committed to pursuing the party’s opposition through constitutional and legal avenues.
In response, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the declaration of emergency during a briefing for foreign media in Islamabad. He asserted that the decision was in line with the Constitution. He cited deteriorating security conditions and accused the provincial administration of not cooperating sufficiently with federal counterterrorism efforts. Furthermore, Tarar described the cabinet’s decision as essential to protect citizens and strengthen the federation.
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President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency and implementation of governor’s rule on Sunday. He did this following the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These measures were enacted under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution.
During Sunday’s announcement, Tarar explained that the governor had assumed powers previously held by the chief minister. The governor also assumed powers previously held by the provincial cabinet and advisers. An 11-member advisory council has been established to assist the governor in managing provincial affairs.
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PTI first formed a government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2013. Now, emergency measures are affecting the party’s third elected provincial government.
(With input from Radio Pakistan)
