Sohail Afridi and Cabinet Members in Protective Custody, Talal Chaudhry Confirms
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has confirmed that former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and some members of his cabinet have been taken into protective custody following the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in the province.
Speaking to British news agency Reuters, Talal Chaudhry said the detentions took place on Sunday. He clarified that individuals facing criminal cases would be charged and proceeded against in accordance with the law, while those against whom no cases were registered would be released.
According to Reuters, witnesses and officials said key locations around Sohail Afridi’s residence had been cordoned off. A heavy police contingent, paramilitary personnel and shipping containers were deployed in the area.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest in Bara Bazaar in Khyber district, the hometown district of Sohail Afridi. According to Hum News, police resorted to aerial firing to disperse PTI workers, while several protesters were arrested.
PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai condemned the detention of the individuals and demanded their immediate release.
The developments followed the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government has said the decision was taken in response to the deteriorating security situation in the province.
During a joint press conference with federal ministers on Sunday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had avoided speculation about the arrest of Sohail Afridi and members of his cabinet or their whereabouts.
Naqvi had stated that anyone wanted in a criminal case would face legal proceedings, while others taken into protective custody could be released when circumstances permitted.
Ishaq Dar Defends Emergency Imposition
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar defended the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while addressing a seminar related to the province in Islamabad on Monday.
He said the decision was not politically motivated and maintained that, given the province’s prolonged struggle against terrorism and the need to protect citizens’ lives and property, the federal government had no option other than imposing emergency.
12 KP Districts Brought Under Federal Administrative Oversight
Under the emergency measures announced on Sunday, the administrative powers of the provincial government were transferred to the governor. An 11-member advisory council was also formed to oversee provincial affairs.
Twelve districts have been brought under a federal administrative arrangement supervised by the governor. These districts are Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Upper South Waziristan, Lower South Waziristan and North Waziristan.
The federal government has established an Area Development Secretariat to oversee administrative matters, security and development activities in these districts. The advisory council will assist the governor in managing provincial affairs.
According to the government, the measures are aimed at restoring law and order and ensuring the protection of citizens.
The federal government has also authorised the deployment of army personnel under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist the civil administration and maintain law and order in the province.
