PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan says the party has challenged Governor’s Rule and the state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Peshawar High Court, with plans to take the matter to the Federal Constitutional Court.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House in Islamabad, Gohar described the measures as unlawful, arguing that they have no legal basis and expressing confidence that the courts would provide relief.
He urged the Peshawar High Court to examine the matter through a larger bench, adding that the party intends to pursue the case before the Federal Constitutional Court after the high court proceedings.
Gohar explained that although a petition could be filed directly with the Federal Constitutional Court, approaching the high court first was preferable. He called on the court to examine the issue and arrange a hearing before a larger bench.
The PTI chairman maintained that there was no legal justification for imposing Governor’s Rule or declaring a state of emergency in the province. He said the party expected the court to grant relief.
Gohar cites constitutional limit on Governor’s Rule
Discussing the constitutional framework, Barrister Gohar said Governor’s Rule could remain in force for a maximum of six months under the Constitution.
He reiterated that the party would pursue legal remedies against the measures and would approach the Federal Constitutional Court after the High Court had considered the matter.
Gohar also raised concerns about the whereabouts of Sohail Afridi, saying it was currently unknown where he was. He further criticised the arrests of members of the provincial assembly, arguing that they should not have taken place.
Addressing the wider political situation, he said the objective had been to stop the long march and that this had now been achieved.
“You have done what you set out to do — you wanted to stop the long march, and you have stopped it. Now, things should be restored to their previous state,” he said, calling for a return to normalcy.
Financial assistance after Peshawar school tragedy
Commenting on the Peshawar school tragedy, Barrister Gohar urged the government to provide financial assistance to the families affected by the incident.
His appeal came as he addressed reporters at Parliament House, where he discussed the legal challenge to the measures in KP, the reported uncertainty surrounding Sohail Afridi’s whereabouts and the arrests of assembly members.
