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 the province’s executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was made during a cabinet session led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Authorities cited deteriorating security conditions and issues related to counterterrorism coordination as primary reasons. The northwestern region shares a border with Afghanistan and has experienced frequent militant assaults.
The federal government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify the intervention. Article 232 authorizes emergency measures in the face of serious internal unrest threatening national or regional security. Meanwhile, Article 234 permits federal action when a provincial government becomes unable to operate under constitutional mandates. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control of executive functions, and Parliament can exercise powers normally held by the provincial legislature. It is important to note that judicial powers remain within the jurisdiction of the judiciary and are not transferred to the federal level.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of the province’s administration with support from an advisory council. The government has allocated portfolios for areas including finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam has been appointed as the chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and refrain from violence during the transition period. Security forces increased their deployment around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of the measures.
Federal authorities authorize military assistance
Pakistan’s federal government has also granted permission for army personnel and military resources to support civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Interior Ministry issued this authorization under Article 245 of the Constitution. The directive covers safeguarding residents, public infrastructure, and vital government facilities during the state of emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop deployment requirements with military officials. While police and other security agencies continue their efforts to maintain public order, the governor oversees the province’s administration.
This intervention follows extended political strain between the federal government and PTI over security policies and other national issues. Negotiations between the two sides collapsed earlier in October, after which PTI supporters staged protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI dismisses the charges against its leader and has repeatedly called for his release.
PTI contests the removal of provincial governance
PTI leaders condemned the imposition of governor’s rule, accusing federal authorities of overriding the elected government of the province. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan argued that reducing provincial autonomy would not effectively address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security concerns. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi initially opposed the emergency measures before the cabinet’s approval. PTI continues to reject federal criticism of its counterterrorism policies and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate.
After receiving the cabinet’s recommendation, President Zardari approved the measures. Federal officials based their decision on security intelligence, political developments, and concerns regarding coordination with the provincial government. Under the constitutional framework, Governor Kundi now manages provincial affairs. The military authorization remains linked to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will proceed under the governor-led administration while the federal measures remain in effect.