From Dawn · News Desk · · 1m 40s
Bilawal: KP Governor Rule Ends With Opposition Engagement
PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari says KP's emergency rule could end if opposition joins federal counterterrorism plan.
In brief
PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari says KP's emergency rule could end if opposition joins federal counterterrorism plan. PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari states that if opposition engages with federal government on counterterrorism, governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could end. Originally reported by Dawn.
Bilawal's counterterrorism demand
PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said if opposition engages with federal government on counterterrorism plan, KP governor's rule could end.
“if they really want to fight terrorists, and if they want that emergency and governor’s rule in kp to end, they should engage with the federal government and politicians and discuss a united policy regarding the fight against terrorism”
KP emergency rule context
Centre imposed KP governor's rule and emergency citing provincial government's 'deliberate disengagement' from counterterrorism.
“deliberate disengagement”
PTI protest march
PTI-led opposition marched demanding release of jailed founder Imran Khan after Centre imposed KP emergency rule.
“mobilisation drive and protest march”
Bilawal's terrorism claim
Bilawal said terrorist attacks now occur from Khyber to Khuzdar across Pakistan.
“terrorist attacks are taking place from khyber to khuzdar”
Past terrorist policy
Bilawal regretted inviting terrorists from Afghanistan to live in Swat, Malakand after Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021.
“also decided to invite the terrorists who were in afghanistan to come back and live in our swat, our malakand, our former tribal areas”
Current terrorism situation
Bilawal said terrorists freed in jail are now causing losses for Pakistan as country faces terrorism crisis.
“today, pakistan is suffering the losses from these wrong decisions”
KP chief minister's stance
KP chief minister Sohail Afridi pledged not to face terrorists despite high terrorism levels in province.
“its chief minister had pledged that he would not face the terrorists”
2008 counterterrorism plan
PPP created counterterrorism environment in 2008 when party was in power before adopting National Action Plan.
“prepared entire society to fight terrorism by creating an environment for counterterrorism operations in 2008”
Current economic crisis
Bilawal said Pakistan faces historic economic crisis requiring counterterrorism efforts to address.
“historic economic crisis”
Electoral reforms committee
PPP invited opposition to join federal electoral reforms committee to strengthen democracy.
“extending an invitation to the opposition to play a part in this”
KP governor nomination
PPP nominated KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for federal office after constitutional transition.
“constitutionally, he is now a representative of the federal government”
Compromise with opposition
Bilawal called compromise essential for political success, citing Benazir Bhutto's legacy.
“you say 'compromise' like it’s a bad word [...] compromise and politics go hand in hand”
In short
PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari states that if opposition engages with federal government on counterterrorism, governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could end.
