Bilawal says federal government readied emergency in KP

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Saturday the federal government had been prepared to impose an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and that his party pushed instead for political measures to confront terrorism. Reaction pending.

"In my opinion, the federal government had made up its mind and was 100 per cent ready; they wanted to immediately impose emergency or governor’s rule in KP," Bilawal said, adding that the centre had been in contact with President Asif Ali Zardari over the political situation. He framed governor’s rule or emergency as a constitutional tool but said the PPP preferred negotiations before using it.

Terror threats from Afghanistan

Bilawal pointed to repeated militant attacks originating in Afghanistan and accused India of a supporting role, saying terrorism should not be viewed through a political lens. He told the protesting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that its planned Oct. 4 long march had had political effect, noting the capital "has been shut for 10 days," even though protestors had not entered it.

He warned that if the provincial administration in KP continued to deprioritize law and order, the federal authorities might still move to declare emergency or governor’s rule. Parties have until Oct. 4 to pursue talks, Bilawal said, underscoring his party’s preference for a negotiated approach before that date.