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 provincial executive responsibilities from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was made during a cabinet session led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Federal authorities cited escalating security concerns and issues with counterterrorism coordination as the primary reasons. The northwestern province, which shares a border with Afghanistan, has experienced multiple militant attacks.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify the intervention. Article 232 permits emergency measures when serious internal unrest threatens national or regional security, while Article 234 allows federal action if a provincial government becomes unable to operate under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes authority over the provincial executive functions, and Parliament can exercise powers typically held by the provincial legislature. Notably, the constitutional provisions do not transfer judicial authority to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of provincial administration, supported by an advisory council. The administration has allocated portfolios covering finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam was appointed as the province’s chief secretary by federal authorities. Kundi called on residents to preserve public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Security forces increased their presence around major government facilities and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of these measures.
Federal government authorizes military support
The federal authorities in Pakistan have also authorized military personnel and assets to support civilian officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Interior Ministry issued this directive under Article 245 of the Constitution. The order aims to safeguard residents, public property, and critical government infrastructure throughout the emergency. Provincial officials will collaborate with military commanders to coordinate troop requirements. Meanwhile, police and other security agencies continue their efforts to maintain public order, with the governor overseeing the administrative functions.
This intervention follows ongoing political tension 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 organized protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been in prison since August 2023 and is facing multiple criminal cases. PTI dismisses the allegations against its founder and has consistently called for his release.
PTI contests the removal of provincial authority
PTI leaders condemned 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 solve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures before they were approved by the cabinet. PTI has rejected federal criticisms of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate.
President Zardari approved the measures after receiving the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s government. The decision was influenced by security reports, ongoing political developments, and concerns about coordination with the provincial administration. Under the constitutional framework, Governor Kundi now directs provincial affairs. The military support remains linked to the emergency and governor’s rule. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to operate under the governor-led government while these federal measures are in effect.