PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has declared emergency measures and imposed governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval of federal recommendations on Sunday. This move transfers authority from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government to the federal government. The decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing security concerns and disagreements over counterterrorism efforts. Given Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s border with Afghanistan and history of militant attacks, the government justified the action.
The measures are based on Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution. Article 232 addresses emergency powers in response to serious threats to national or regional security, while Article 234 permits federal intervention when a provincial government cannot operate according to the Constitution. Under governor’s rule, the provincial executive authority shifts to the governor. Parliament can also assume powers normally held by the provincial assembly. Courts, however, remain outside these transferred authorities.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has taken charge of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, supported by an 11-member advisory council. Their first meeting occurred after the emergency measures took effect. The council’s members have been assigned portfolios including home affairs, law, finance, industry, health, and education. Additionally, the federal government appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as the province’s chief secretary. Kundi called on residents to abide by the law and avoid violence or riots during this political shift.
Deployment of Army Forces Authorized Under Article 245
The federal authorities also authorized military deployment in support of civilian agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under Article 245 of the Constitution. The Interior Ministry issued this directive to safeguard lives, property, and government infrastructure during the emergency. Kundi will coordinate troop and asset requirements with the Military Operations Directorate at General Headquarters. Security personnel, including police, have increased their presence around key government sites in Peshawar.
This step follows months of tension between the federal government and PTI over security policies and political demands, with negotiations breaking down in early October. PTI supporters then organized a protest march demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI rejects these cases and condemns the federal intervention.
PTI Condemns Federal Takeover of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Leaders of PTI criticized the emergency declaration and governor’s rule, asserting these measures undermine the province’s elected mandate. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan argued that weakening provincial autonomy would not bring peace. Senior PTI member Zulfiqar Bukhari also voiced opposition to the removal of the provincial administration. Prior to the decision, then-Chief Minister Sohail Afridi publicly opposed any form of emergency or governor’s rule. PTI also disputes federal criticism of its counterterrorism strategy, claiming it was not adequately involved in security decisions.
The federal government states that the action was approved by the cabinet, advised by the prime minister, and based on law and order reports. President Zardari signed the recommendation after the cabinet meeting chaired by Sharif. Authorities link the intervention to security issues and the collapse of negotiations with PTI. The army’s deployment is linked to the proclamation of emergency and governor’s rule. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will operate under Governor Kundi and the advisory council formed to oversee provincial affairs.