Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam on Monday slammed the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that the federal government was not “in favour of governor’s rule” amid the party’s march, but warned of national security risks.

The minister’s comments come as KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the party’s long march towards Islamabad on Sunday, saying the party would “not accept” any policy against the interests of the people of KP.

The PTI went ahead with its march despite warnings from the federal government, which has vowed to prevent any violent gatherings in the capital. The protest aims to demand the release of jailed party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Addressing a press conference, Muqam said, “We are not in favour of having governor’s rule or declaring an emergency in KP as politically it is not a good decision; however, on one hand, you have politicians, and then there is the state. Politics can only continue if we still have control of the province.”

He claimed that the provincial government had lost its writ and “the security situation was deteriorating day by day”.

Speaking about the recent negotiations held with the opposition over the party’s march to Islamabad, the minister said the government’s side suggested to “be on the same page” about terrorism.

Muqam held that the province’s chief executive had “abandoned” the province.

“There is no sign of the government in the province. The chief executive of the province stays busy on his one-point agenda.”