Pakistan vows ‘all possible measures’ to ensure peace amid opposition protest march

Pakistan vows ‘all possible measures’ to ensure peace amid opposition protest march

The statement follows speculation that the federal government may impose emergency rules or governor’s authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to halt an opposition march toward Islamabad.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is heading thousands of PTI supporters in an anti‑government procession that traverses the province toward the capital.

Wasim Abbasi

Islamabad

Pakistan’s federal government will take all possible measures to maintain peace and promote development in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the governor’s office said on Saturday, amid rumors of potential emergency provisions in the province to suppress the demonstrators.

The announcement came while federal officials discussed in recent meetings the feasibility of appointing governor’s rule or imposing emergency powers in KP, a move that could transfer provincial governance responsibilities.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, a close associate of former prime minister Imran Khan and senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI), is directing thousands of PF supporters along a winding path toward Islamabad. The rally seeks pressure to release former prime minister Nawaz Shareef, who remains detained under past legal actions. PTI accuses the centre of limiting Khan’s contact with attorneys and family members, a charge the federal administration denies.

The governor’s office released a joint statement affirming that the federal government will employ every available tool to safeguard tranquility and encourage economic growth in KP.

Residents reported growing fatigue toward perceived terrorist activities and support for the coalition allegedly destabilising society.

Pakistan’s central government accuses the Afridi‑led administration of neglecting escalating militant activity. In turn, PTI condemns such accusations and calls for inclusive counter‑terrorism initiatives rather than abrupt imposition.

“The federal government will take every possible step to preserve peace and foster public development across the province,” the combined statement read.

Authorities noted that KP residents had grown wary of alleged terrorism and groups supporting disorder.

“Long March to Islamabad”

Afridi launched a extensive “long march” from the north‑western Lakki Marwat area on Sunday, proceeding after two rounds of deadlocked negotiations with the federal side.

The campaign unfolded while Chief Minister Afridi was stationed in the Charsadda district alongside many PTI adherents. In a Friday social‑media update, he invoked support members to converge on Swabi district on Oct. 14. The event has traced its footpaths repeatedly as it advances through the province.

“Insha’Allah, on 14 October we will continue onward from Swabi,” Afridi affirmed.

PTI has repeatedly claimed that the government’s detention of Khan stems from politically biased verdicts, whereas the sovereign power disputes the validity of those suits.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi convened with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit‑Baltistan Amir Muqam in Peshawar, addressing the protest marches, prevailing law‑and‑order conditions, and additional political concerns.

A coordinated statement emphasized the collective commitment of the federal government to integrate all requisite resources for peace and societal advancement in KP.

The proclimate sentiment revealed during the public discourse indicated that inhabitants of KP had become increasingly weary of reports linking terror offenses to the political faction operating publicly.

Further commentary observed that authorities’ efforts seemed insufficient as mounting unrest persisted.

Source link