New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Pakistan is on the verge of significant protests as death rumors surrounding former Prime Minister Imran Khan circulate. In Rawalpindi, public assemblies have been prohibited, and Section 144 has been enforced due to demands from Khan's supporters seeking to visit him.

This turn of events prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to hastily return to Pakistan from London, following an urgent call from President Asif Ali Zardari for a critical parliamentary session. This joint meeting is set to cover various topics, including relations with Afghanistan and the situation concerning Imran Khan. Additionally, it will tackle issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, both of which have seen elevated tensions, resulting in considerable casualties for the Pakistani army in recent months.

According to an official, the establishment in Pakistan is advocating for a shift in administration in KP. This session follows the Sharif government’s decision, influenced by the army, to enact Governor’s rule in KP. Should the National Assembly approve this action, it would result in the removal of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, a member of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The government justifies its imposition of Governor’s rule in KP based on law and order concerns. Khan's supporters, including family, have been persistently protesting after being denied access to him, intensifying the speculation regarding his condition. His family and supporters are demanding to see him amid circulating death rumors.

Experts suggest that convening a joint session under these circumstances serves as a mere facade. While the President claims the forum will address Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the true agenda appears to be establishing Governor’s rule in KP. A unilateral decision to alter the administration could provoke backlash from the populace, prompting the Sharif administration to seek parliamentary validation for this structural change in KP.

Though it is likely that the government aims to implement Governor’s rule in KP, the question remains as to who will fill this position. Current Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is the preferred choice, with former ministers Pervez Khattak and Ahmed Hyder Hoti also in contention. However, if a consensus on a political leader cannot be reached, the army may exert its influence.

Additionally, former army officials Pervez Khattak, Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani, and Lieutenant General Ghayur are potential candidates. PTI leaders, advocating for access to Imran Khan, have repeatedly assured that their protests will remain peaceful. Nonetheless, the regime appears to be framing these demonstrations as potentially violent, ostensibly to facilitate an administrative change in KP that would weaken the PTI's grip in the area.

Another official noted that the Imran Khan situation is spiraling out of control. Pakistan is grappling with serious issues concerning Afghanistan, alongside internal strife in KP and Balochistan, compounded by the escalating situation surrounding Imran Khan. This turmoil is detrimental to Pakistan's standing both domestically and internationally.

Currently, the two pressing issues for Pakistan are the restructuring of the KP administration and addressing the Imran Khan crisis. The establishment is likely to permit Khan's sister, Uzma, to visit him along with a vetted lawyer, albeit under strict conditions prohibiting any media disclosures post-meeting.

The authorities hope that this meeting will help quell tensions. However, PTI supporters are advocating for more substantial actions and are organizing a significant protest. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Act of 2024 remains in effect until December 3, prohibiting all forms of assemblies and protests.

The Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, stated, "The District Intelligence Committee (DIC) has reported specific intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are actively mobilizing with intentions to disturb the law and order situation through large gatherings, protests, and disruptive assemblies. The forum further indicates that these elements may target soft locations and mobilize individuals with the potential to engage in violent actions near key installations and other sensitive sites, thereby endangering public peace and tranquility."