Preparations Underway to Arrest or Detain PTI’s Central Leadership Across the Country: Sources

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) — The federal government has begun preparations to take action against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and a strategy has also been prepared in case Sohail Afridi does not change his conduct.

According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will consult with his colleagues on the strategy tomorrow, and important decisions are expected tomorrow after consultation and briefing by the federal government.

Sources claimed that preparations have begun across the country to arrest or place under detention the central leadership of PTI. In the event of Governor’s Rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, strict action is expected.

A strategy has been prepared to mobilize police and bureaucracy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. There is a possibility of strict legal action, including arrests, against those coming out to protest. Provincial administration is likely to be given special instructions to limit protests.

Earlier Developments

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after a consultative meeting last night, made a telephone contact with JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Maulana Fazlur Rehman advised the Prime Minister to avoid emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that emergency or Governor’s Rule would cause political damage to the government parties.

According to sources, the negotiations deadlock and PTI’s long march were discussed between the Prime Minister and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Maulana Fazlur Rehman said during the conversation that he is ready to play a role in resolving matters through mutual understanding.

The Prime Minister praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political insight and his decision to stay away from the protest movement, saying that the federal government made full and sincere efforts to resolve issues through negotiations, but the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s refusal to cooperate in actions against terrorism caused the failure of negotiations. “There can be no compromise in the war against terrorism, and negligence is also unacceptable.”

Maulana Fazlur Rehman told the Prime Minister that the federal government and PTI should give negotiations another chance for the improvement of matters. The Prime Minister responded that the government is still in favor of negotiations, but an attack on Islamabad will not be tolerated in any case. “PTI should end its long march and return to the negotiating table.”