PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has declared governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, based on the recommendation of the federal cabinet. This move shifts authority over provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was endorsed during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Federal officials cited escalating security concerns and difficulties in counterterrorism coordination as the primary reasons. The northwestern province, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has experienced multiple militant attacks.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify this action. Article 232 provides for emergency measures when severe internal unrest poses a threat to national or regional stability. Meanwhile, Article 234 allows federal intervention if a provincial government becomes incapacitated under constitutional obligations. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over executive functions, and Parliament may exercise authority typically held by the provincial legislature. It’s important to note that judicial powers are not transferred to the federal government under this constitutional arrangement.
Responsibility for provincial governance now rests with Governor Kundi, who is supported by an advisory council. The administration has allocated portfolios covering finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam has been appointed as the province’s chief secretary by federal authorities. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Security forces increased deployment near significant government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar after the measures took effect.
Federal authorities authorize military support
The Pakistani federal government has also authorized military personnel and equipment to assist civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This authorization was issued by the Interior Ministry under Article 245 of the Constitution. It covers the protection of civilians, public property, and key government facilities during the emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop requirements with military commanders, while police and other security agencies continue supporting law enforcement efforts under the oversight of the governor.
This intervention follows ongoing political tensions between the federal government and PTI over security policies and other national issues. Negotiations between the two sides broke down earlier in October. Supporters of PTI subsequently staged protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI rejects the allegations against its leader and has consistently called for his freedom.
PTI contests the removal of provincial leadership
PTI officials criticized the imposition of governor’s rule, accusing federal authorities of overriding the elected provincial government. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan stated that reducing provincial autonomy would not address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security challenges. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also voiced opposition to the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures before the cabinet approved the move. PTI has dismissed federal criticism of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its government failed to cooperate.
President Zardari approved the measures following the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s administration. The decision was based on security intelligence, political developments, and concerns regarding cooperation with provincial authorities. Under the current constitutional framework, Governor Kundi now manages provincial executive affairs. The military’s involvement remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to operate under the governor-led administration while the federal measures are in place.