Gohar to Challenge KP Governor’s Rule in Court as Achakzai Announces Democratic Struggle
ISLAMABAD, October 12: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has announced plans to challenge the imposition of governor’s rule and a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Peshawar High Court, while opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has called for peaceful protests and a district-level democratic movement.
Speaking alongside Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Gohar condemned the measures introduced on October 11, describing the day as a dark chapter in Pakistan’s democratic history. He demanded the withdrawal of the government’s decision and argued that extraordinary constitutional measures would not resolve the province’s security challenges.
Gohar maintained that counterterrorism efforts required cooperation among political parties rather than confrontation. He rejected allegations that the KP government had failed to cooperate with the federal government and said provincial autonomy and democratic representation must be protected.
Achakzai announces peaceful protests
Mahmood Khan Achakzai accused the federal government of undermining constitutional principles, parliament and political opposition. He called on opposition parties to unite in defence of constitutional rights and organise peaceful demonstrations according to their capacity.
Achakzai said a democratic struggle would be launched at the district level, with larger demonstrations planned in areas where emergency measures had not been imposed.
Despite announcing protests, he expressed willingness to negotiate with the government, saying dialogue remained necessary for a democratic Pakistan. He also requested permission to meet PTI founder Imran Khan and offered to provide a written undertaking that details of the meeting would not be disclosed.
Opposition rejects federal decision
The opposition leaders’ statements followed the suspension of the PTI-led provincial government after President Asif Ali Zardari approved emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The federal government has justified its decision on security grounds, citing concerns over counterterrorism efforts and militant violence in the province. PTI and allied opposition leaders have rejected that justification, arguing that the measures weaken the public mandate and provincial autonomy.
The opposition has said it will use constitutional, parliamentary and public forums to contest the decision. PTI leaders have also discussed possible changes to their parliamentary strategy as the political confrontation deepens.
Legal challenge and negotiations ahead
Gohar said PTI would continue raising its concerns through parliament and other available forums. Achakzai, meanwhile, maintained that protest and negotiations could proceed simultaneously.
The proposed court challenge and planned demonstrations mark the opposition’s next steps against the emergency measures. The timing of the petition, any court proceedings and the scale of future protests had not been confirmed in the reports available at publication time.
