Bilawal says Centre was ready to impose emergency in KP but PPP sought 'political solution'

AI Summary

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said Pakistan’s federal government was prepared to impose emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but his party urged a political solution to terrorism and political tensions. He called for talks with PTI ahead of its planned march to Islamabad, while warning that continued insecurity could force federal intervention.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday said the federal government had made up its mind to impose emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, his party suggested finding a political solution to fight terrorism in a “better way”. Addressing an event in Karachi, the PPP chairman said that the federal government had been in contact with President Asif Ali Zardari and his party regarding the country’s political situation. Noting the terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, Bilawal said, “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.” He noted that although imposing governor’s rule or emergency in any province was a Constitutional tool, the PPP “was of the view that before dropping this constitutional atomic bomb, political parties should absolutely find a political solution to fight terrorism in a better way”. Sharing his party’s view, Bilawal said that the PPP wanted to hold talks with the protesting party — the PTI — regarding its planned Oct 4 long march to Islamabad before making any decision. Addressing the PTI, Bilawal said their protest had been somewhat successful as the capital “has been shut for 10 days”, even if they had not entered it yet. “Your protest has been successful. A political party or worker should see that you have achieved success on the political stage,” Bilawal stressed. However, he pointed out: “But it is also correct that while you are focusing on your own politics, there is terrorist activity in KP every other day. “If the provincial government does not consider this issue of terrorism and law and order important, and there are allegations that they are not standing with the federation, then we may be forced to declare an emergency or governor’s rule.” Bilawal noted that the terrorist threat from Afghanistan and India’s “hideous role” in supporting it was apparent. “Do not see terrorism through a political lens.” More to follow