Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended the decision to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying it serves Pakistan’s national interest. He expressed hope that the move would produce positive results.
Speaking in Gujranwala, Shehbaz said the government had taken the decision out of necessity. He claimed that the federal government had offered full cooperation to both chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, he said political tensions had complicated efforts to work together.
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The prime minister said the federal government had repeatedly offered support for the province’s development and prosperity. According to him, long marches and political threats continued despite these offers. He argued that political confrontations had made cooperation more difficult.
Shehbaz also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its protest activities. He said demonstrations and sit-ins could disrupt the country’s routine operations. Moreover, he alleged that the opposition had planned violence during its latest protest.
The prime minister said officials had urged the provincial leadership to cooperate against terrorism. He also described difficulties during negotiations between the government and the opposing side. According to Shehbaz, both sides had discussed withdrawing a long march call but failed to reach a final agreement.
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He said the government’s negotiating committee had worked through the night to resolve the dispute. However, he alleged that the other side refused to approve the draft agreement at the last moment. As a result, the talks made no further progress.
During his visit, Shehbaz also paid tribute to the late Bashir Mahmood Warak. He described their relationship as brotherly and praised Warak’s political contributions. The prime minister said his services to the party and its workers would remain memorable.