Peshawar: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gauhar Ali Khan has said that his party will prove in court that the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unconstitutional. He has expressed his determination to continue the constitutional and legal struggle against the government’s actions.
The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday heard petitions challenging the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province. The court issued notices to the federal government, the Attorney General and other concerned parties and adjourned the further hearing till November 10.
Barrister Gohar said in his position that extraordinary constitutional measures were taken in the province by justifying terrorism. According to him, PTI has always condemned terrorism and supported efforts against it. He also expressed reservations over the treatment of workers and elected representatives.
The PTI chairman said that his party would raise its voice at every relevant forum to protect the provincial government and its political mandate. He also demanded the release of the leadership and said that efforts to resolve issues through political dialogue have not proved fruitful so far.
During the hearing, PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja also raised objections to the imposition of Governor’s Rule and Emergency. He was of the view that these measures have affected the provincial autonomy and democratic system. He also approached the court on the issue of restoration of the provincial government and the relevant political leaders.
On the other hand, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that political differences should be resolved through constitutional and democratic means. According to him, respecting the public mandate and protecting the parliamentary system are essential for political stability. He warned that political tension could increase if effective ways were not adopted to resolve the issues.
Emergency and governor’s rule were imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11 by the federal government. According to the government’s position, this step was taken in the context of anti-terrorism operations and concerns related to law and order in the province. However, PTI and other petitioners have challenged the constitutionality of this decision in the court.
