PTI vows to fight KP emergency rule in courts, parliament and on streets

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to fight the emergency and governor's rule imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Oct. 11, calling them unconstitutional. The party announced its position after a two-day joint meeting of its Political and Core Committees. It alleges abductions of political leaders and a nationwide crackdown on its members.

What did PTI say about emergency rule in KP?

In a unanimous declaration, PTI rejected the emergency, governor's rule and the establishment of a council in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as unconstitutional and an attack on the public mandate. It said efforts to sideline the elected government echoed past authoritarian practices. The party vowed to resist through constitutional, legal and parliamentary avenues and public mobilization.

What is PTI alleging about the crackdown on its workers?

PTI condemned the alleged abduction and detention of suspended Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the provincial assembly speaker, ministers and other elected representatives. It demanded their immediate release and action against those responsible.

The declaration said more than 1,500 PTI workers had been arrested in Punjab during its street movement, with hundreds detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law. The party alleged that authorities were re-arresting workers as their detention orders expired and issuing fresh orders to keep them in custody.

PTI also condemned arrests and continued detentions in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad. It cited raids on homes and alleged harassment of party members and their families after the emergency and governor's rule began. The party described these actions as politically motivated.

Will PTI replace Mehmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader?

Speculation over a possible replacement for Achakzai as National Assembly opposition leader has exposed differences within the party over its parliamentary leadership. PTI Senator Mirza Afridi said the proposal was under discussion, citing concerns among some parliamentarians about Achakzai's performance and his ability to bring about policy changes.

"Parliamentarians have expressed concerns over Achakzai's role and are dissatisfied with his progress, so we are discussing a possible change with party leaders," he said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan dismissed the speculation. He said jailed party founder Imran Khan had nominated Achakzai, who retains his confidence, so the party was not in a position to replace him.