Centre completes deliberations on a possible KP emergency as

Pakistan's federal government says deliberations on imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are complete as tensions rise with the PTI-led provincial government over counterterrorism. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi challenges PTI marchers to cross Swabi amid efforts to revive stalled talks. Tariq Fazal Ch says emergency deliberations complete, but no decisive meeting finalised or notified Centre warns of action if KP government fails to cooperate on counterterrorism; no emergency decision announced Governor Kundi challenges PTI marchers to cross Swabi as Afridi-led protest revises route towards Islamabad Dispute over counterterrorism policy fuels tensions amid warnings of federal intervention in opposition-run province ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: The federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) traded sharp accusations on Friday as federal ministers said the Centre had completed deliberations on imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Chief Minister Sohail Afridi continued leading a protest march through the province amid a deepening political standoff. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal government had completed its deliberations on the possible imposition of an emergency in KP, warning that a lack of cooperation from the provincial government on counterterrorism could force the Centre to take decisive action to eradicate terrorism. Speaking to a television channel, he declined to confirm reports that a high-level meeting was expected on Saturday to decide on the proposed emergency. 'The matter of any decisive meeting is not final, nor has it been notified,' he said. Asked about reports that the government was considering imposing an emergency in 12 districts of KP, Chaudhry said the Centre had completed its deliberations and that the provincial government's response would be crucial. 'The reality is that the government has completed its deliberation regarding the implementation of an emergency. Now it is in the hands of the KP government what role it plays in this regard,' he said. The Centre and law enforcement agencies (LEAs), he added, were determined to eliminate terrorism in the province, saying it would be preferable for the KP government to cooperate and contribute to the effort. 'But if they don't want to get involved, then our other option is that after imposing an emergency, terrorism be wiped out, terrorists be eradicated — and as for that Article 232 … it is for the whole province, not just 12 districts,' he added. The federal government has repeatedly warned the PTI-led provincial administration in recent days that it could resort to emergency measures or governor's rule amid disagreements over counterterrorism policy and the PTI's ongoing march demanding the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan. Federal ministers have linked the possibility of intervention to the deteriorating security situation in the province. However, no decision to impose an emergency or governor's rule has been announced. Earlier, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Parliamentary Secretary for Information Danyal Chaudhry accused the PTI of mobilising supporters by fostering hostility towards the federal government and state institutions while failing to adequately address militant violence in the province. 'So what more can we negotiate with those who gather people on the basis of hatred?' he asked, referring to reports of renewed attempts to mediate between the government and opposition. The PTI has rejected allegations of sympathy towards militants, maintaining that counterterrorism measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be developed through consultation rather than imposed by the federal authorities. Chief Minister Afridi, addressing supporters during the march earlier this week, said he would oppose further military operations in the province while insisting that the PTI's campaign would remain peaceful and constitutional. The confrontation has intensified amid a resurgence of militant attacks targeting security personnel and civilians in Pakistan's only PTI-governed province, raising the prospect of federal intervention in the provincial administration. KUNDI CHALLENGES PTI MARCHERS TO CROSS SWABI KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi referred to recent militant attacks when asked about the circumstances under which governor's rule could be imposed, but said any decision would rest with the president and prime minister. Under Article 234 of the Constitution, the president can issue a proclamation permitting federal intervention if satisfied that a provincial government cannot be carried on in accordance with constitutional provisions. Such a proclamation is subject to parliamentary approval. Separately, Governor Kundi challenged PTI protesters to reach and cross Swabi, a district bordering Punjab's Attock, casting doubt on the party's stated plan to reach the area on October 11 as Chief Minister Afridi led the march towards Charsadda from Peshawar on its sixth day. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Kundi criticised the PTI's repeatedly revised route, saying its protesters appeared to be moving between destinations without a clear direction. 'They are probably going to Charsadda today, and then they might go to Mardan. After that, they might end up reaching Afghanistan through Dir,' he remarked sarcastically. Mocking the party's apparent reluctance to move towards Swabi, the governor said its leaders seemed to lose their nerve whenever they approached the district. 'Whenever they turn towards Swabi, their legs start shaking and their hearts tremble,' he said, challenging the protesters to reach Swabi on Saturday and cross it, or even enter the district, if they had any self-respect. The march, which began last week, has moved slowly through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its route repeatedly revised. Afridi has said the party plans to reach Swabi on October 11 before deciding its next move towards Islamabad, leaving the timing and course of any onward movement uncertain. EFFORTS INTENSIFIED TO REVIVE TALKS The latest confrontation follows the collapse of two rounds of negotiations between the government and the PTI amid disagreements over access to Imran Khan and counterterrorism policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PTI maintains that meaningful negotiations cannot proceed without Khan's involvement, while the government has accused the opposition of undermining earlier efforts to reach an agreement. On Thursday, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai said Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), was attempting to resolve the deadlock. 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman Sahib is involved… We have full trust in him,' Yousafzai said, adding that there had been no direct contact between the government and the PTI. The possibility of renewed mediation has offered a potential way out of the confrontation, although neither side has announced a breakthrough. MARCH ROUTE REMAINS UNCERTAIN On Friday, PTI supporters moved towards Charsadda after arriving in Peshawar on Thursday. The party planned to move towards Mardan on Saturday before proceeding to Swabi. 'After an overnight stay in Swabi, the next course of action for the Long March will be decided,' the party said in a statement. Repeated changes to the march's itinerary have fuelled uncertainty over when, or how, the protesters intend to enter Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned against violent demonstrations, saying the government would protect residents' access to education, healthcare and business activity in the capital. The standoff has also disrupted transport and commercial activity, with earlier road restrictions affecting freight movement between Karachi and northern Pakistan.