Peshawar (The COW News Digital) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) parliamentary party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced plans to convene a joint jirga to oppose the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures, pledging to continue its resistance through constitutional, legal, judicial and political forums.
The decision was taken during a parliamentary party meeting attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, provincial general secretary Ali Asghar Khan, acting provincial president Noorul Haq Qadri and a majority of provincial parliamentary members, according to a joint declaration issued after the meeting.
Participants discussed the province’s political, constitutional and administrative situation, challenges facing party leaders and workers, and the party’s future political strategy.
The parliamentary party strongly condemned the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as contrary to the public mandate, democratic principles and constitutional requirements. The party vowed to intensify efforts to restore what it considers the province’s constitutional and democratic order.
PTI members also criticised what they described as politically motivated actions carried out under the pretext of counterterrorism. The declaration expressed concern over raids on workers’ homes, arrests, detentions under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, and the removal of PTI flags and plaques from development projects.
The party demanded an immediate end to these actions and called for political workers to be allowed to exercise their constitutional and legal rights.
The declaration also raised concerns about the health of PTI founder Imran Khan. The parliamentary party demanded credible information about his medical condition, immediate access to him, and guaranteed meetings with his family members and lawyers.
Members expressed further concern over the detention of Imran Khan’s wife and sisters, calling for legal rights and appropriate medical facilities to be ensured. They demanded justice for his wife and the release of his sisters.
The party also condemned what it described as unconstitutional detention or arrests involving the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, provincial assembly speaker and other elected representatives. It called for their immediate release and the restoration of their freedom to participate in political activities.
A major focus of the meeting was the reported imposition of emergency measures across 12 districts of the province, including the former tribal districts. PTI members voiced concern over the transfer of administrative powers and what they described as attempts to reverse the integration of the tribal districts into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
To address these concerns, the parliamentary party decided to invite tribal elders and representatives of other political parties to a joint jirga. The gathering is expected to discuss the constitutional and administrative status of the former tribal districts and develop a consensus-based strategy to protect their existing position.
The declaration reaffirmed confidence in Barrister Gohar’s leadership and rejected claims of divisions within PTI. It stated that political and organisational matters would continue to be handled through consultation, collective decisions and guidance from party founder Imran Khan.
The parliamentary party also called for its effective representation in future negotiations, protest movements and political decision-making. Members agreed to hold regular meetings and continue efforts to protect public rights, development projects and democratic institutions.
The announcement signals PTI’s intention to broaden opposition to governor’s rule by involving tribal elders and other political parties. However, the timing of the proposed jirga and the participation of other political groups were not specified in the declaration.
