By Junaid Qaiser
Pakistan cannot afford to let political confrontation overshadow its fight against terrorism. As tensions between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government intensify, the possibility of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in the province has become a serious concern. The challenge before the country’s leadership is to restore security and effective governance without deepening an already dangerous political divide.
The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday reflects the gravity of the situation. Senior government and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders participated in consultations on the country’s political and security challenges. The decision to convene separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on October 13 also provides an opportunity to bring the dispute into parliament, where the government and opposition can debate the way forward.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered enormously from terrorism. Attacks on civilians and security personnel continue to threaten lives, disrupt communities and undermine public confidence. Districts including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have faced serious security challenges, making effective coordination between federal and provincial authorities essential.
The federal government has expressed frustration over what it describes as inadequate cooperation from the provincial administration in counterterrorism efforts. Government representatives have questioned the province’s preparedness and demanded a clearer commitment from the PTI leadership to combating militant groups.
These concerns must be examined seriously, but political allegations alone cannot provide a lasting solution. The authorities need evidence-based assessments, clear institutional responsibilities and measurable improvements in security.
Counterterrorism is a national responsibility. It requires cooperation among federal and provincial governments, intelligence agencies, police and security forces. No political party should allow its rivalry with opponents to obstruct that cooperation.
The National Action Plan provides an existing framework for confronting militancy. Rather than turning its implementation into a political dispute, the authorities should identify weaknesses, improve coordination and ensure that the necessary resources and institutional capacity are available.
The protection of citizens must remain the common objective.
Federal government representatives have acknowledged that an emergency and other constitutional options have been discussed. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed frustration with the negotiations, while some government figures have openly called for governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government has a responsibility to protect citizens and respond to serious security threats. But it must also consider whether an extraordinary intervention would resolve the underlying problems or deepen the confrontation.
A move against a provincial administration led by the principal opposition party could intensify mistrust, provoke further political mobilisation and make cooperation on counterterrorism more difficult. Such an outcome would serve neither the federal government nor the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This does not mean that constitutional powers should never be exercised. It means that their use must be justified by circumstances, not political convenience.
Before taking such a consequential step, the government should make every credible effort to reach a political understanding. The objective should be effective governance and public safety, not the weakening of a political opponent.
Amid the deadlock, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has emerged as a possible intermediary between the government and PTI.
His engagement with PM Shehbaz and continued contacts with PTI leaders could help reopen negotiations that have so far failed to produce an agreement. PTI has also indicated that it would welcome his constructive role in reducing political tensions.
The government and PTI should consider a practical arrangement under which talks continue alongside commitments to peaceful political activity, public order and cooperation against terrorism.
PTI should use its influence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to facilitate cooperation with federal institutions on counterterrorism. It should present its political demands through a clear negotiating agenda and remain open to arrangements that protect public order while preserving its right to peaceful dissent.
The party’s concerns regarding access to its jailed founder, Imran Khan, and related legal matters should be addressed through applicable laws and judicial processes. These issues deserve appropriate consideration, but they should not prevent cooperation on matters of immediate national security.
The federal government, in turn, must demonstrate that negotiations are genuine. It cannot expect meaningful engagement if the opposition believes that dialogue is simply a prelude to extraordinary action against its provincial administration.
Both sides must give the other a reason to Pakistan does not need another contest over which side can demonstrate greater political strength. It needs an agreement that protects constitutional governance, strengthens the fight against terrorism and restores public confidence.
