PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has enacted emergency measures and imposed governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following President Asif Ali Zardari approving federal recommendations on Sunday. This move effectively removes the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial administration from control of government functions. The decision was taken during a federal cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which cited security concerns and disagreements over counterterrorism coordination. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has experienced frequent militant attacks.
The government’s actions are based on Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution. Article 232 grants 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, following the constitutional framework. Parliament can also assume powers usually held by the provincial assembly, though the courts remain outside these transferred authorities.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assumed control of the province, supported by an 11-member advisory council. The council convened its first meeting after the emergency measures came into effect. Members have been assigned portfolios covering home affairs, law, finance, industry, health, and education. Additionally, the federal government appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s new chief secretary. Kundi called on residents to abide by the law and avoid violence or protests during this political transition.
Deployment of army forces authorized under Article 245
Pakistan’s federal authorities have also authorized military deployment and assets to assist civilian officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Interior Ministry issued this order under Article 245 of the Constitution. The deployment aims to safeguard lives, property, and government facilities during the state of emergency. Kundi will coordinate troop and asset requirements with the Military Operations Directorate at General Headquarters. Meanwhile, police and security personnel have increased their presence around key government sites in Peshawar.
This emergency measures follow months of escalating tension between the federal government and PTI over security policies and political demands. Negotiations between both sides collapsed in early October, after which PTI supporters organized a protest march demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI dismisses the cases and has condemned the federal government’s intervention.
PTI opposes federal takeover of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PTI leaders criticized the emergency declaration and governor’s rule, asserting that these measures undermine the province’s elected authority. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan stated that weakening provincial autonomy would not bring peace. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also condemned 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 criticisms of its counterterrorism efforts, claiming it was not adequately involved in security decisions.
The federal government emphasizes that the decision followed cabinet approval, the prime minister’s advice, and law and order reports. President Zardari signed the recommendation after the cabinet meeting chaired by Sharif. Authorities link the move to security issues and the breakdown of negotiations with PTI. The army deployment remains connected to the emergency and governor’s rule declaration. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will operate under Governor Kundi and the advisory council established to oversee provincial affairs.