Pakistan opposition vows to challenge governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan's opposition alliance said on October 11 that it would challenge emergency measures and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the courts and parliament. It also confirmed that a planned protest march would continue.
At a press conference in Islamabad, Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayin-i-Pakistan leaders called the decision unconstitutional. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Gohar Ali Khan said counterterrorism required a strategy agreed through political consultation.
He rejected accusations that the provincial government had refused to cooperate with federal authorities on security. He said it had strengthened police capacity, provided resources and participated in counterterrorism meetings.
Gohar questioned why governor's rule covered the whole province when, in his assessment, terrorism affected 12 districts. He said security measures should not be used to justify action against his party.
PTI secretary general Salman Akram Raja urged consultation with political parties before decisions on security operations. He cited a February 2026 Apex Committee meeting and a peace jirga resolution as foundations for implementing earlier agreements.
Raja said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had not withdrawn the announcement of the long march. He stressed that the protest would remain peaceful and reaffirmed the intention to contest the decision through legal and parliamentary channels.
Gohar called for medical treatment for imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan, family visits and information for relatives about his condition. He said the party had approached the Supreme Court and high courts 19 times seeking protection of Khan's rights.
He further claimed that about 1,500 party workers were imprisoned in Punjab and that 10 provincial assembly members, including three ministers, and eight National Assembly members had been arrested. Those figures represented the party's account.
Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen leader Raja Nasir Abbas called for implementation of the National Action Plan against terrorism and protection of civilians. He said political negotiations should contribute to lasting peace.