By Zabih Ullah Khattak (Pakistan)
The sabotage of the talks between government and opposition harden the already paralyzed situation of the country. Leadership of both sides sharpens its tone by accusing the other of manipulating the ongoing talks. A threat being emanated from the federal government is threatening to impose Governor’s Rule if the situation cannot be controlled. In response, the provincial government disregarded the threat and kicked off its long March from Lucky Marwat.
Until late that night, the capital was calm as some inner-circle members hinted at positivity in the talks. However, later that night, the provincial government announced preparations to resume the Long March, and the capital once again erected barricades and containers across the city.
It is unsure that the federal government is serious or just pressurizing the PTI government in KPK to impose governor rule but certain rumors are on air in which they would assume power in their hand if the situation could not come under control. Ministers are trying to inflict pressure on the provincial government by repeatedly warning it not to proceed with the Long March rhetoric.
On the other side, Governor KPK Faisal Karim Khan Kundideclared that it’s an immense need of the time to impose governor rule to restabilize the provincial hubbub, and it will be proceed with the decree of the president on the advice of the PM.
Several federal ministers are making a legitimate move by accusing the KPK government of mishandling the security situation and facilitating terrorist groups across the province but this claim carries little weight because security is everyone’s problem.
The history of governor rule and provincial government annihilation dates back to 1949 when the provincial government of Punjab was dissolved, and to 1970 when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto dismissed the governments in Baluchistan and KPK. The status quo remains intact, as every government has done whatever it wished, given that the constitution has been abrogated several times for their own satisfaction has gravest outcomes for country because it will affect the federatory units, regional hatred, and anti-state sentiment as we are witnessing in Balochistan where certain sections are challenging the writ of the state because they have been ignored for several years.
The situation can be even grimmer because the PTI government possesses a 2/3 majority and Imran Khan is still a popular leader in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In that case it would be a harsh move by the federal government if they did anything unconstitutional.
The central government is facing challenges not only in confronting PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also in dealing with several other outlawed groups which will gain space to widen their scope because the central government’s focus will shift to handling the demonstration instead of the gravity of the security situation in KPK.
Another lurking issue arises once the current political deadlock is set aside because there is widespread discussion about new administrative units. This is fueled by the Interior Minister, who has repeatedly denounced the current setup as collapsed and needing enormous changes, including the creation of new provinces and administrative units. And it will be grimmer if it’s done without the KPK government’s confidence because such a move must be decided collectively, not in an authoritarian way.
