Emergency declared in KP as a final measure, says PM Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the government's decision to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing it as a last‑resort action taken in the nation's best interest. He said the authorities could not stand by while the threat of violence loomed. Sharif noted that militant attacks launched from Afghanistan continued to pose a serious challenge and that he had met several times with the province’s former chief minister to discuss the security situation.

The prime minister pledged federal support, offering the resources needed by the provincial administration and urging all political leaders to unite against terrorism. He blamed the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) party, led by former prime minister Imran Khan, for trying to destabilise the country, citing the long march organized last year and alleging that PTI’s recent protest campaign was intended to spark widespread violence.

According to Sharif, a government negotiating committee worked around the clock to reach a settlement with the protesters, resulting in an understanding that the long march would be called off. He said he had asked the former KP chief minister to cooperate with the federal government in the fight against terrorism and assured him that the province would receive the necessary resources.

Sharif claimed that the situation shifted after a draft agreement was finalised and consultations were held with the provincial chief minister. He asserted that the opposition deliberately reversed the agreement, stating, “Their instructions were that no agreement should be reached and that there should be bloodshed.”

Emphasising the gravity of the situation, the prime minister warned that the government could not ignore the possible fallout and that future generations would not forgive any perceived criminal negligence. He expressed optimism that the steps taken in KP would yield positive outcomes. Sharif also praised the members of the KP Advisory Council as capable individuals and announced plans to travel to the province soon to chair a meeting.