KP Governor Vows to Stop PTI Long March Amid Terrorism Concerns

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has declared that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march will not be permitted, citing the prevailing security situation and terrorism in the province. "We are offering martyrs and carrying coffins," he stated, accusing the PTI of wanting to spread chaos.

The governor issued a stern warning, stating that if the marchers attempt to cross Swabi, the Punjab government will deal with them. "They will not be able to cross Swabi this time," he added.

Following the breakdown of negotiations, the government has reportedly decided to stop the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The decision came after a high-level consultative meeting, which included a session chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Peshawar.

In response to the planned march, security has been placed on high alert in KP. In Islamabad, containers have been placed at key entry and exit points, and security has been tightened around the Red Zone. Thousands of security personnel, including Rangers and Punjab Police, have been deployed to maintain law and order. The Rangers' deployment is reportedly set until October 15. Despite these measures, the administration has stated that all roads remain open for general public movement.

In a press conference, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified the government's position during the negotiations, stating that they had not demanded the long march be called off but had made it clear that talks would not continue once the march began.

Following the breakdown in talks, Mr. Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the developments. The Prime Minister reportedly endorsed a strict implementation of all law and order decisions.

Separately, the Interior Minister also met with KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Available reports suggest the two discussed the security situation and the constitutional role of the Governor's House should the federal government deem an emergency necessary in the province.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has declared that negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are over and the party's planned long march will not be allowed to enter Islamabad "under any circumstances."

Speaking to the media, Mr. Naqvi stated that Islamabad High Court orders regarding protests would be enforced and warned that a repeat of the May 9 events would not be permitted. He asserted that the government would deal with the situation strictly and show no leniency.

The Interior Minister placed the responsibility for the breakdown in talks squarely on the KP Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, accusing him of sabotaging the negotiations after a 99% agreement had been reached. "If any life is lost, its responsibility will be on Sohail Afridi," Naqvi added.

While reiterating his government's stance, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has stated that for now, no time has been set for negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding its long march.

Speaking to the media, he repeated the warning that the march would not be permitted to enter Islamabad and that any attempt to create disorder would be met with legal force. He also restated his criticism of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, urging it to fulfil its constitutional duty in the fight against terrorism.