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Federal cabinet 'votes in Favour oF governor's rule' in Pti-led Khyber PaKhtunKhwa Friday, 29 November, 2024 I | 26 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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Decides to consult coalition partners, including PPP, as well as stakeholders like QWP and ANP before a final decision Balochistan Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on PTI amid opposition’s walkout
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
LAMING Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's administration for using "state machinery to attack the Centre" during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, the federal cabinet voted in favour of imposing governor's rule in the province. The KP chief executive had been leading the PTI's protests seeking the release of its incarcerated former premier Khan and independence of judiciary on the frontline, which caused unrest in the federal capital and adjoining cities, drawing criticism from the ruling coalition over the alleged use of state machinery. This recommendation was tabled by Federal Minister Amir Muqam, seeking strict action against the PTI, during the federal cabinet's session that was backed by a "majority of members". It stated that the KP government "gave a reason for the governor's rule by invading the Centre twice". It also blamed the KP government for using state machinery and employees to "attack the Centre". The Ministry of Law and the attorney general also gave their opinion to the cabinet members on the recommendations. The sources close to the federal government revealed on Thursday that a majority of cabinet members — who met with a onepoint agenda a day ago — backed the sug-
gestion to impose governor's rule in KP, accusing the province of allegedly patronising the major opposition party's protests against the coalition government. However, the cabinet decided to consult coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as well as stakeholders like the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and the Awami National Party (ANP), before making a final decision. The development follows the conclusion of the Imran Khan-founded party's muchhyped "do-or-die" protest in Islamabad, which ended abruptly with its top leaders and workers, including its incarcerated founder, booked in eight cases after two days of violent clashes with police. The charges against them include terrorism, assault on police, violation of Section 144, abduction, and interference in government operations. Amid speculations of the governor's rule, the KP advocate general office "completed preparations for a legal response" to the federal government. During a consultative session today, the law officers collected verdicts related to the governor's rule to counter the expected decision from the Centre. Additional Advocate General Inam Yousafzai told Geo News that there was no reason to impose governor’s rule in KP and vowed that the government would file a case in case of any "illegal" decision taken by the Centre. "If a government with a public mandate
Another terrorism case registered against PTI founder, Bushra Bibi, 75 other party leaders
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KP’s Additional Advocate General says provincial govt ‘fully prepared’ to challenge every move
is going in the right direction, then what is the reason for the governor's rule?" questioned the law officer. "Everything is prepared," said Yousafzai, claiming that the government was fully ready to challenge the decision in court. ANP rejects governor's rule Meanwhile, the ANP rejected the imposition of the governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), calling for meaningful dialogue between the former ruling party and the government to ease political tensions ANP spokesperson Ehsanullah Khan, speaking on Geo News, stated that such a measure is not a viable solution as it would expire after three months. He further noted that since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) holds a majority in the KP Assembly, the governor's rule would not have a significant impact. Highlighting the alarming rise in politi-
cal instability, Khan called for meaningful dialogue between the former ruling party and the government to ease political tensions. Terming the potential governor's rule "malice of the federal government", Jamaate-Islami (JI) KP Central Emir Abdul Wasey said the move would be "unconstitutional" and his party would strongly oppose it. A day ago, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called for "tough decisions" to rid the country of politics of agitation and ensure stability, referring to the PTI's "final call" protest, which led to closure of roads and educational institutions. Calling the PTI's movement "sedition", the premier said that the "conspiracy" against the country’s progress and development must be ended at all costs and vowed: "We'll break the hand that wants to damage Pakistan." The crackdown by law enforcers had
dispersed the protesters with KP CM Gandapur and ex-PM's wife Bushra Bibi running back to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The latest protest episode was part of the PTI's months-long efforts to secure Imran Khan's release who has been behind bars in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail in various cases for more than a year now. Balochistan Assembly passes resolution seeking 'immediate' ban on PTI On the other hand, In a session marked by stark division, the Balochistan Assembly on Thursday approved a resolution, tabled by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), seeking a ban on Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) following the recent "violence" in its thee-day-long protest that put off abruptly in the wee hours of Wednesday. Minister for Communications and Works Mir Saleem Ahmad Khosa, along with provincial ministers Mir Sadiq Umrani, Mir Asim Kurd Gelo, Raheela Hamid Khan Durrani, Bakht Mohammad Kakar, and parliamentary secretaries tabled the joint resolution in the assembly on the protests and violent actions of PTI. The opposition, however, staged a walkout, protesting against the mistreatment of the former ruling party. The resolution, a copy of which is available with Geo News, stated that the PTI, which has been at loggerheads with the government, was responsible for the May 9 events — a reference to the violent protest that broke out last year following PTI founder Imran Khan's arrest and saw attacks on public properties including military institutions in many parts of the country. "Once again, it [the former ruling party] is carrying out violent actions," it stated, adding that the PTI's "anarchist agenda" has affected the country's system and every sector, including judiciary, media and the economy. The resolution further stated that a provincial chief executive’s attempts to open a front against the Centre were tantamount to advancing the anti-state’s power agenda.
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Achakzai demands judicial probe into D-Chowk crackdown on PTI protestors g
PkMAP chief calls for legal action against PM, Interior Minister, and IG accusing them of violence against PTI workers QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
The Garrison City Police lodged another case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and several other party leaders for inciting public to violence, conspiring to block roads and attacking the personnel of the law enforcement agencies. The Rawalpindi’s Naseerabad Police registered the FIR that includes charges under Anti-Terrorism Act and 15 other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code also names PTI founder’s sister Aleema Khan, KP’s CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Omar Ayub, Sheryar Riaz among 75 others party leaders. According to the FIR, Imran Khan allegedly incited protesters to march towards Islamabad on November 22, while Bushra Bibi’s social media statement was seen as instigating party workers. The suspects are accused of conspiring to block roads, attacking police officers with
sticks, slingshots, stones, and bricks. Earlier, Imran Khan was booked in another case at Taxila police station following the death of a police constable and injuries to others during a violent confrontation near the Hakka Interchange. The FIR, lodged on behalf of the police, names PTI founder Imran Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Salar Khan Kakar, and Shahid Khattak, among others. The FIR includes charges under 14 sections of law, including anti-terrorism clauses. According to the text, the attackers were armed with tear gas guns, rubber bullet weapons, and other arms. The accused allegedly assaulted the police with batons, rods, and stones, scattering the law enforcement officers. The report also mentions that the attackers injured Constable Mubashir and abducted him in a red van. Later, Mubashir was found abandoned under the Hakka Bridge and succumbed to his injuries despite being shifted to the hospital.
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman and leader of Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, on Thursday demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Achakzai demanded legal action against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police, accusing them of violence against PTI workers. He criticised the continued imprisonment of PTI’s founding leader despite his electoral victory, urging his release on bail. “Releasing him will not cause the sky to fall,” Achakzai remarked. He claimed that PTI workers were targeted with gunfire during peaceful protests at D-Chowk in Islamabad and demanded a transparent judicial probe into the matter. “PTI workers were shot in the head. Thousands of peaceful protesters were subjected to violence,” the nationlist leader alleged. Judicial accountability is necessary,” he said, expressing disillusionment with state institutions and emphasizing the need for institutions to operate within their constitutional domains to alleviate the country’s crises. Achakzai also highlighted security issues in Balochistan, criticising the lack of
arrests following killings in Musa Khel, Rara Sham, and Harnai. He questioned the capabilities of law enforcement, particularly in the case of an abducted child from Quetta, urging swift action. He concluded by calling for dialogue among all political parties and suggested organising elections within three to four months to form a ‘legitimate government.’ Recently, Ministry of Interior on November 27 confirmed that no fatalities were reported among the PTI protesters during a major security operation aimed at dispers-
ing the party’s sit-in in Islamabad. The protest, which escalated on November 26, was brought to an end after law enforcement agencies conducted a largescale raid in the capital city. PTI protesters, led by Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, had gathered in Islamabad after breaking through multiple security lines, reaching the edge of the heavily guarded Red Zone. However, the protest was called off after a sweeping midnight operation by security forces, which resulted in the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators.
Shehbaz Sharif warns ‘enemies of state’ attempting to destabilise Pakistan ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan’s national security is closely linked to its economic stability, noting that the recent political unrest and protests have caused significant damage to the country’s economy. Speaking at a security workshop at the National Defence University on Thursday, the Prime Minister addressed the impact of the protests, particularly the sharp decline in the stock market. However, he pointed to the recovery of the stock exchange as evidence of the country’s resilience. “First of all, congratulations to everyone, as our stock exchange has surpassed 100,000 points today,” said PM Shehbaz, attributing the achievement to the collective effort of the
nation. “This is not my success or the finance minister’s, but the hard work of the entire team.” He acknowledged the setbacks caused by the recent unrest, particularly the storming of Islamabad, which resulted in a loss of 4,000 points in the stock market. “Just two days ago, due to the unrest, the stock exchange lost 4,000 points. But it has now recovered and exceeded the 100,000point mark,” he explained. The Prime Minister also raised concerns about the growing threat from both internal and external forces attempting to destabilize Pakistan. He described these actions as attempts to spread hatred and instability in the country. “Enemies of the state are working to spread hatred and instability. We must ensure the protection of Pakistan,” he said. Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent economic struggles, PM Shehbaz recalled that
in June 2023, the country was on the brink of default. However, through successful negotiations, Pakistan secured a 37-month agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which helped avoid default. He assured the public that after the current agreement, Pakistan would not seek further financial assistance from the IMF. Despite challenges, including the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Prime Minister affirmed that Pakistan was still moving forward. He acknowledged the tragic incidents occurring in these regions but praised the bravery of the armed forces in confronting the threat. “Unfortunately, terrorism is resurging, and we are witnessing tragic incidents in KP and Balochistan, but our armed forces continue to confront this threat bravely,” he said.