PTI Lawmakers Call for Blocking Dams, Gas Supply to Press for Imran Khan’s Release

PESHAWAR: Two Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have called for using key infrastructure and energy resources as leverage to press for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.

PTI MPA Fazal Elahi and MNA Iqbal Afridi said during a discussion that blocking operations at Tarbela Dam, Warsak Dam and gas supplies in Karak could be used to increase pressure on the federal government.

Fazal Elahi described the move as one of the options available to the party, saying that if party workers acted on such measures and the provincial government supported them, PTI could achieve its objective.

Iqbal Afridi endorsed the proposal and said the party would implement it.

Debate Over Federal-Provincial Relations

The statements have triggered debate over the use of public infrastructure and national resources in political disputes between the federal and provincial governments.

Political commentators cited in the discussion described the remarks as serious, particularly because Tarbela and Warsak are major components of Pakistan’s electricity and water infrastructure, while Karak is part of the country’s gas-producing region.

Some analysts said threats to disrupt federal facilities could further intensify tensions between Islamabad and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

The commentators also discussed whether continued confrontation between the provincial and federal authorities could lead to consideration of constitutional measures, including governor’s rule, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal provisions.

PTI Demands Release of Imran Khan

The statements came amid PTI’s continuing demand for the release of Imran Khan and its wider political confrontation with the federal government.

Using major public infrastructure or energy supplies as leverage in political disputes could have consequences beyond the immediate political contest, potentially affecting electricity generation, water management and energy consumers.

The issue has therefore raised questions about the limits of political protest and the responsibilities of elected representatives and provincial authorities in managing public resources.