Muqam Says No Governor’s Rule in KP for Now, Calls Province ‘Abandoned’ by PTI Government
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam said on Monday that the federal government was not “in favour of governor’s rule” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, even as he accused the PTI-led provincial government of abandoning the province and losing its writ.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Muqam said: “We are not in favour of having governor’s rule or declaring an emergency in KP as politically it is not a good decision; however, on the one hand, you have politicians, and then there is the state. Politics can only continue if we still have control of the province.”
He claimed the provincial government had lost its writ and that the security situation was “deteriorating day by day”. The minister said the province’s chief executive had “abandoned” the province.
“There is no sign of the government in the province. The chief executive of the province stays busy with his one-point agenda,” Muqam said.
He warned that terrorism was not limited to KP. “If KP is overtaken by terrorists [..] then the rest of Pakistan would not remain free either,” he said, adding that the provincial government, the federal government and the armed forces “should be on the same page” in counterterrorism efforts.
Why governor’s rule in KP is back on the table
Muqam’s remarks came a day after KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, declaring that the party would “not accept” any policy against the interests of the people of KP.
The PTI went ahead with the march despite warnings from the federal government, which has threatened to send the PTI government in KP packing by imposing governor’s rule or an emergency. “What is this drama of proceeding with the march when you know fully well that you will not be allowed to enter Punjab?” Muqam asked, adding that it was the state’s responsibility not to leave the people of KP “at the mercy of terrorists”, for which there was “a constitutional way” to provide relief.
What Muqam said about the failed talks
Turning to the weekend’s negotiations with the opposition, Muqam said the government’s side had suggested that both sides “be on the same page” about terrorism, and applauded the opposition’s delegation for being willing to find a resolution.
He recalled that on the first day of the talks, the opposition asked for an extension since the KP chief minister needed to be part of the process. “The next day, we came back and sat from 3pm till 3am. In the talks, three to four drafts were prepared, and at one point, it was decided that we would issue a joint statement,” he said, adding that “interference” began after 9pm on Saturday when messages came in asking for clauses to be added and removed. “In the end, we had a deadlock,” Muqam said, calling the outcome “highly unfortunate”.
He questioned how the KP chief minister was making statements regarding the march while “his nominated people were engaging in talks”, and claimed government-related work in KP had come to a halt over the past two to two-and-a-half months. He also questioned the province’s “lack of seriousness” over the National Action Plan: “Why have you held only one meeting in the entire year? How many martyrs have you visited?”
Asked about further negotiations, the minister said the “door to talks is still open”, adding: “If it is for the betterment of the country, we are always ready to talk.”
Related: CM Afridi rejects governor’s rule as PTI long march moves through KP | Naqvi says talks with opposition have collapsed, accuses KP CM of sabotaging negotiations | ATC orders Imran Khan’s production in Judicial Complex attack case | Three terrorists killed in fresh DI Khan IBO
Frequently asked questions
Is the government imposing governor’s rule in KP?
Federal Minister Amir Muqam said on Monday that the government was not in favour of governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, calling it politically unwise. However, he referred to a “constitutional way” of providing relief to the people of KP, and a government source has said the option is under serious consideration.
What did Muqam say about the KP government’s performance?
Muqam said the provincial government had lost its writ, the security situation was “deteriorating day by day”, and the chief executive had “abandoned” the province. He claimed government work in KP had come to a halt over the past two to two-and-a-half months.
Why did the government-opposition talks fail?
Two rounds of talks over the weekend ended in deadlock. The government wanted the opposition’s backing for its counterterrorism measures, while the PTI demanded access to Imran Khan and a jointly agreed counterterrorism strategy. Each side has blamed the other for the collapse.
Will there be more talks with the opposition?
Muqam said the “door to talks is still open” if it is for the betterment of the country. The PTI has said it wants immediate access to Imran Khan for consultations before any fresh round.
