Bilawal says Centre was ready to impose emergency in KP but PPP sought 'political solution'

Bilawal notes Centre was ready to impose emergency in KP but PPP sought 'political solution'.

Key points

• News Desk Published October 3, 2026 Updated October 4, 2026 01: 27am.
• He remarked Karachi and Sindh do not get our deserved share as the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord has not been implemented.
• Eight per cent of Sindh's water comes through Irsa, Bilawal remarked, referring to the Indus River System Authority.
• The decision to have discussions with the opposition was taken after PM Shehbaz called on President Zardari at Aiwan-I-Sadr in Islamabad earlier this week.
• The discussions precede the PTI's planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan.

News Desk Published October 3, 2026 Updated October 4, 2026 01: 27am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday remarked the federal administration had created up its mind to impose emergency or governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; even so, his party suggested finding a political solution to fight terrorism in a "better way".

Addressing an event in Karachi, Bilawal remarked that the federal administration had been in contact with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP regarding the recent security situation, particularly in KP.

Noting the terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, Bilawal remarked, "In my opinion, the federal government had made up its mind and was 100 per cent ready; they wanted to immediately impose emergency or governor's rule in KP."

He observed that although imposing governor's rule or emergency in any province was a Constitutional tool, the PPP "was of the view that before dropping this constitutional atomic bomb, political parties should absolutely find a political solution to fight terrorism in a better way".

Sharing his party's view, Bilawal remarked the PPP wanted to hold negotiations with the protesting party – the PTI – regarding its planned Oct 4 long march to Islamabad before making any decision.

While calling on all parties to engage in dialogue with PTI before imposing emergency, he additionally called on the latter to abandon its long march to Islamabad and acknowledge the success of their protest.

Bilawal remarked the PTI protest had been somewhat successful as the capital "has been shut for 10 days", even if the party had not marched towards it. "A political party or worker should see that you have achieved success on the political stage."

Nevertheless, he pointed out: But it is additionally correct that while you are focusing on your own politics, there is terrorist activity in KP every other day.

"If the provincial government does not consider this issue of terrorism and law and order important, and there are allegations that they are not standing with the federation, then we may be forced to declare an emergency or governor's rule."

According to The PPP chief, the terrorist threat from Afghanistan and India's "hideous role" in supporting it was apparent. "Do not see terrorism through a political lens."

"We want to come together to fight terrorism and not view it as a political issue, but a national one, " Bilawal emphasised, recalling a recent session between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari.

Meanwhile, the Bhutto scion pressed a written agreement between the KP and federal governments which would outline "how they will combat terrorism together".

"If there is any political deadlock, it needs to be kept separate from issues like terrorism or national interests."

In practice, the administration and PPP are jointly engaged in negotiations with the opposition, aimed at defusing the country's ongoing political crisis.

Meanwhile, the discussions precede the PTI's planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan. It has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal administration.

Meanwhile, the decision to have discussions with the opposition was taken after PM Shehbaz called on President Zardari at Aiwan-I-Sadr in Islamabad earlier this week. National security, institutional cooperation on law and order and the possibility of using emergency powers were among the topics discussed.

For context, a joint delegation comprising PML-N and PPP leaders met the opposition on Friday, with a second round of discussions held on Saturday. As the politicians gathered at Parliament House, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that the discussions would proceed in the same "cordial atmosphere" as the day before. Bilawal announces water projects for Karachi's SITE.

Earlier in his speech, Bilawal congratulated the individuals of Karachi on the completion of a water project and went on that the PPP saw its first success in local administration elections.

"We have started a 35m gallon water treatment project, and this water will fulfil the needs of SITE, " he stated.

"The dirty water that applied to pollute Karachi, our sea and our river will be treated, bringing benefits for all. In the second phase, 65 million gallons will be treated by January. Once this is completed, the capacity will reach 100 million gallons."

"The number one priority for us is water. Eight per cent of Sindh's water comes through Irsa, " Bilawal remarked, referring to the Indus River System Authority. It releases water downstream into Sindh. Nevertheless, persistent water shortages due to Irsa not releasing sufficient water have triggered robust protests previously.

He remarked Karachi and Sindh do not get our deserved share as the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord has not been implemented. Rather than giving us water, they pursue projects without our permission. It causes water shortages in Sindh and Karachi.

"The Sindh government and KMC (Karachi Metropolitan Corporation) prioritised saving water for the people of Karachi, so that they can avail extra water, " Bilawal outlined, adding that a number of months ago, a 25m gallon water treatment facility was inaugurated in Kemari.

"As the mayor told you, the capacity will be increased by 55 million gallons, so that we can deliver those benefits to the people of Kemari, " he continued.

Calling it the first project of its kind in Pakistan, Bilawal expressed hope that the needs of individuals in Karachi's SITE area would be met, noting that it is the "engine" for the economy of the city and Pakistan.

Additionally, the PPP chief observed that by Oct 20, projects to provide 10m gallons of water to Lyari and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) through a pipeline would be completed.

For now, bilawal says Centre was ready to impose emergency in KP but PPP remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.