Naqvi and Kundi back governor's rule, emergency option in KP

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi agreed in Peshawar on Sunday to back governor's rule or an emergency in KP if deemed necessary, as the PTI began its long march toward Islamabad.

Why did Naqvi and Kundi back governor's rule in KP?

Officials said either measure may be necessary to protect the province from terrorism and destruction. According to the Governor House, the two agreed it would play its full constitutional role if President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif deemed governor's rule or an emergency necessary. The officials cited KP's worsening security situation and the fallout from the PTI march.

What did the officials criticize about the KP government?

Naqvi and Kundi met at the Governor House in Peshawar after negotiations between the PTI and the federal government failed. The meeting was attended by KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Federal Constabulary Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara.

The officials raised concerns over the alleged facilitation of militants crossing security checkpoints during the march. They also criticized what they described as the provincial government's "irresponsible" approach to counterterrorism and negotiations, according to the Governor House.

They further criticized the use of helicopters and other government resources by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and provincial ministers during the march. The officials described this as a violation of Islamabad High Court rulings.

Will the PTI get another chance to negotiate?

Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Nukta that Naqvi and Kundi also agreed to give the PTI another opportunity for negotiations. Kundi is expected to play a role in de-escalating the situation and bringing the opposition party back to the negotiating table, the sources said.

Naqvi traveled to Peshawar after multiple rounds of negotiations between the PTI and the federal government failed. That breakdown prompted the opposition party to launch its march from Lakki Marwat on Sunday.

How is KP police preparing for the PTI march?

The provincial police chief briefed Naqvi and Kundi on the security situation, according to the sources. He said police were on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any emergency.

Additional police personnel have also been requisitioned from police lines in other districts to reinforce security arrangements, the sources said.