Summary Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry blames PTI’s alleged non-cooperation for the KP emergency, pledging parliamentary approval and continued dialogue with the opposition.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) insistence and lack of cooperation, adding that the decision would be submitted to Parliament for approval.  
Speaking to the media in the federal capital, Chaudhry said the government would keep the door open for negotiations despite the decision. He added that the opposition could challenge the imposition of an emergency or governor’s rule in the province in court.  
The minister said the government had been compelled to take the step because of what he described as PTI’s stubbornness and failure to cooperate in efforts against terrorism. He maintained that parliamentary approval would be sought for the emergency.  
Chaudhry invited the opposition to include government representatives in its proposed all-parties conference (APC). He said the government would present complete data on terrorist incidents and casualties among security personnel to explain the situation and the measures being taken.  
He said the federal government had sought PTI’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism, but the opposition had allegedly prioritised political activities instead. According to the minister, the government faced obstacles in implementing counterterrorism measures, making the decision necessary.  
Chaudhry said special arrangements had been made in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to improve law and order. Once terrorism-affected areas were cleared, they would be handed over to the civilian administration, he added.  
The minister said the emergency would remain in force until its objectives had been achieved. He stressed that the government’s primary goal was to establish lasting peace in the province and that all necessary measures would be taken to achieve it.  
He added that the government had not closed the door to dialogue and had invited the opposition leader for talks several times.  
Chaudhry clarified that the government had not asked the opposition to postpone its long march but had instead sought its cooperation against terrorism. He said the emergency was not a sudden decision but had been taken in response to the prevailing circumstances.  
The minister claimed that the public had welcomed the imposition of the emergency and governor’s rule, asserting that no protests had taken place. He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted peace and development, adding that the province had not witnessed substantial development over the past 14 years.  
Chaudhry reiterated that the government would continue efforts to eliminate terrorism, restore peace in affected areas and ensure the authority of the civilian administration, while keeping negotiations open despite political differences.
