ISLAMABAD: Reports and social media speculation about the possible imposition of an emergency across Pakistan have drawn a strong reaction from the centre and establishment, with sources dismissing the claims as false and unfounded.
According to sources, some analysts have deliberately circulated reports suggesting that the federal government could impose an emergency across the country. They said the speculation was aimed at diverting attention from the worst law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The sources said there was no basis for claims that a nationwide emergency was being considered.
They added that any constitutional options under discussion were limited to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militants were freely roaming the roads and carrying out terrorist activities, and did not involve the rest of the country.
The issue has emerged amid growing tensions between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration in KP.
The federal government has publicly discussed possible legal and constitutional options concerning the province as tensions have risen over security, governance and PTI’s planned protest movement. Recent media reports have cited sources as saying that governor’s rule and emergency measures were among the options being considered in the KP.
The PTI, however, has rejected such moves. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned of a strong public reaction if governor’s rule is imposed and has said his government remains ready for dialogue with the federal administration.
The dispute intensified after PTI announced a march on Islamabad, initially scheduled for Sept. 27, to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan. The party later postponed the march until Oct. 4.
Against this backdrop, some analysts commentators of using speculation about a nationwide emergency to shift the focus from KP’s security and political situation.
They also criticised the provincial government’s handling of law and order, alleging that the administration had failed to play an adequate role in the fight against militancy.
The allegations have been disputed by the KP government. Afridi has repeatedly said that terrorism remains a major challenge for the province and has called for greater resources for the provincial police.
At a recent law-and-order meeting, Afridi directed police to remain focused on their professional responsibilities and said combating terrorism was a priority. He also called for the provision of armoured vehicles, jammers and drone-defence equipment to the KP police.
The chief minister has also blamed broader security problems on federal policy and said KP has borne the brunt of militancy for years.
