Shehbaz Sharif Defends Emergency in KP, Says Government Had No Other Option

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He said the government feared bloodshed and a breakdown of law and order during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march.

Speaking to the media in Gujranwala, the prime minister said the government could not remain silent as tensions escalated. He described the decision as necessary to protect lives and maintain order.

“We were left with no other option,” he said. He added that inaction could have exposed the government to accusations of negligence.

Nawaz Sharif Also Supports the Decision

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif also backed the move. Speaking to journalists in London, he said authorities should have acted earlier as the province’s security situation deteriorated.

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Nawaz questioned the use of provincial resources for political confrontations with the federal government. He also criticised PTI’s record in KP over the past 13 years.

PM Says Government Tried to Prevent Political Tensions

During his Gujranwala visit, Shehbaz Sharif said he had held several meetings with KP’s former chief minister and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He said he had made sincere efforts to address the province’s problems.

However, the prime minister alleged that PTI’s long marches and protests had repeatedly disrupted national affairs. He recalled the political unrest of 2013–14, which he said affected trade, agriculture, employment and economic activity.

He also alleged that PTI had planned widespread violence during an October long march.

According to Shehbaz, the government formed a committee and held discussions with relevant parties for approximately 48 hours. The aim was to reach an agreement and prevent further confrontation.

He said negotiators had prepared a comprehensive agreement. Under the proposed arrangement, PTI would withdraw its long-march call while the country focused on economic recovery. However, he said the negotiations collapsed after consultations with the then-KP chief minister.

Federal Government Pledges Support for KP

Shehbaz Sharif described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as an integral part of Pakistan. He praised its people for their courage and resilience and pledged federal assistance for the province’s development.

At the same time, he expressed concern over rising violence and the resurgence of terrorism. He also cited infiltration from Afghanistan since 2018 as a security challenge.

The prime minister called for collective efforts to defeat militant groups. He pledged to provide the necessary resources and administrative support to security forces and law enforcement agencies.

He also paid tribute to security personnel, including Pakistan Army officers, who had lost their lives fighting terrorism. Furthermore, he condemned attacks that killed innocent civilians, including women and children.

Advisory Council to Help Manage the Province

The prime minister defended the interim governance arrangement, which he said would remain in place for two months. He argued that the government could no longer afford to remain inactive amid concerns about public safety.

He said authorities had established an advisory council to help address the situation. According to Shehbaz, the body was largely non-political and included respected individuals.

He expressed hope that the council would help restore peace and stability in KP. He also pledged to remain involved and attend its meetings when necessary.

The prime minister said the government hoped its measures would improve security and allow the province to focus on development.

PM Says Economy Is Moving Towards Recovery

Shehbaz Sharif also discussed the country’s economic outlook. He claimed that Pakistan’s international standing had improved and that economic conditions were gradually stabilising after the long march was halted.

He said the government remained focused on recovery and growth. However, he acknowledged the pressure on households from inflation linked to unrest in the Middle East.

To provide relief, the prime minister highlighted a fuel subsidy scheme funded by the Punjab government. He said the initiative had benefited approximately 12 million people, including motorcyclists, rickshaw users and owners of vehicles with engines up to 800cc.

According to Shehbaz, the provincial government allocated Rs75 billion for the scheme. He said the funds were intended to be used by the end of the year.

The prime minister added that the scheme’s indirect benefits could reach nearly 65 million people. His estimate was based on an average household size of five to six people.

Condolences in Gujranwala

The prime minister made the remarks during a visit to Gujranwala. Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attaullah Tarar accompanied him.

They visited to offer condolences on the death of Barrister Mahmood Virk, a party worker. Shehbaz described the deceased as a loyal worker and a decent person, acknowledging his contributions.

During the visit, the prime minister also praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s performance. He expressed hope that her efforts would bring prosperity to the province