United Opposition Demands Immediate Withdrawal of Governor’s Rule in KP
Opposition leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Barrister Gohar, condemn the suspension of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s elected government, demand protection of constitutional rights and call for political dialogue to resolve the crisis.
ISLAMABAD, October 13, 2026: Pakistan’s united opposition has strongly condemned the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the measures, restoration of democratic governance and protection of the constitutional rights of the province’s people.
The demands were made during a meeting of the united opposition’s parliamentary party at the National Assembly, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
According to a statement issued following the meeting, the participants reviewed the evolving political and constitutional situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expressed serious concern over the federal government’s decision to suspend the province’s elected administration.
The meeting was attended by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other opposition leaders.
Opposition Condemns Suspension of Elected Government
The joint opposition strongly criticised the October 11 decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the removal of the elected provincial government as contrary to democratic principles and the public mandate.
The parliamentary party demanded that the federal government immediately reverse governor’s rule and respect the constitutional authority of elected representatives.
Opposition leaders declared that October 11 would be remembered as a “black day” in the country’s democratic history because of the measures taken against the provincial administration.
The statement emphasised that Pakistan’s democratic framework must be protected through constitutional governance, respect for provincial autonomy and recognition of the mandate given by voters.
Detention of Sohail Afridi and PTI Leaders Condemned
The parliamentary party also strongly condemned the detention of suspended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, other PTI leaders and political workers.
According to the opposition statement, the detentions represent a challenge to democratic values and the political rights of the province’s residents.
The leaders demanded that the fundamental and legal rights of all detained individuals be fully protected, with authorities acting strictly in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
They further called for respect for the constitutional powers of elected representatives and insisted that political differences should be addressed through democratic institutions rather than measures that could deepen confrontation.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman Briefs Opposition on Government Talks
During the meeting, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman briefed opposition leaders on his recent discussions with the federal government aimed at resolving the political confrontation.
According to the statement, Fazlur Rehman expressed disappointment that the government proceeded with emergency measures despite the completion of discussions intended to find a negotiated solution.
He maintained that the decision had been taken after political engagement had already created an opportunity to address differences through consultation.
The parliamentary party stressed that mutual understanding, consultation and meaningful political dialogue remained essential to resolving the constitutional and political crisis.
The leaders agreed that further confrontation could undermine democratic institutions and increase instability at a time when the country faces serious security and governance challenges.
Opposition Calls for Consultative Security Strategy
The united opposition also discussed the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, acknowledging that the province was already facing significant law-and-order challenges.
The participants warned that political confrontation and measures perceived as undemocratic could further complicate the province’s existing difficulties.
They urged the federal government to develop a coordinated strategy for addressing terrorism and restoring lasting peace through consultation with relevant political stakeholders instead of relying on unilateral decisions.
The opposition maintained that security concerns should be addressed through cooperation between federal and provincial institutions while safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens.
It also demanded that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be provided with peace, protection and full recognition of their democratic and constitutional rights.
Federal Government Defends Emergency Measures
The opposition’s demands come after President Asif Ali Zardari approved emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11 on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced that the measures had been introduced under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, transferring the provincial administration’s executive responsibilities to the governor.
The federal government also announced the formation of an 11-member advisory council to assist in administering the province.
Government representatives defended the decision by citing deteriorating security conditions and what they described as inadequate cooperation from the previous provincial administration in counterterrorism efforts.
PTI and other opposition parties have rejected the government’s justification and questioned the political and constitutional basis of the decision.
Reports on October 12 also confirmed that Sohail Afridi and several provincial officials had been placed in preventive custody, adding to the political confrontation.
Joint Opposition Vows Continued Constitutional Struggle
Concluding the meeting, the united opposition reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Constitution, strengthening the democratic system and defending provincial autonomy.
The leaders pledged to continue advocating for the constitutional and financial rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its residents.
They reiterated that the restoration of political dialogue, protection of civil liberties and respect for elected institutions were essential for overcoming the present crisis.
The parliamentary party urged the federal government to immediately withdraw governor’s rule, safeguard the rights of detained political leaders and workers, and pursue a negotiated resolution to the political and constitutional dispute.
The opposition maintained that sustainable peace, political stability and effective governance could only be achieved through constitutional processes, democratic consultation and respect for the public mandate.
