PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has declared governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, based on the federal cabinet’s recommendation. This move shifts authority over provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the cabinet session that ratified the decision. Federal officials cited deteriorating security conditions and challenges in counterterrorism coordination as reasons for the action. The northwestern region, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has experienced multiple militant assaults.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify the intervention. Article 232 authorizes emergency measures when severe internal unrest threatens national or regional security, while Article 234 allows federal intervention if a provincial government becomes unable to operate under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over the executive branch, and Parliament may exercise powers typically held by the provincial legislature. The constitutional framework does not transfer judicial authority to the federal government.
Kundi has taken charge of provincial governance with support from an advisory council, which oversees portfolios including finance, law, health, education, and internal security. The federal government also appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as the province’s chief secretary. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and refrain from violence during the transition, while security forces increased deployments near key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of the measures.
Federal forces authorized to support military efforts
The federal government also authorized military personnel and assets to assist civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, issuing the order under Article 245 of the Constitution through the Interior Ministry. This directive ensures protection for residents, public property, and critical government infrastructure during the emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop deployment with military leaders, while police and other security agencies continue to assist in maintaining order under the oversight of the governor.
This action follows extended political friction between the federal government and PTI over security policies and broader national issues. Negotiations between the two sides broke down earlier in October, after which PTI supporters continued protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI maintains that the cases against its leader are unfounded and has repeatedly called for his freedom.
PTI disputes provincial administration removal
PTI leaders condemned the imposition of governor’s rule, accusing the federal authorities of overriding the province’s elected government. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan argued that reducing provincial autonomy would not solve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues, and senior PTI member Zulfiqar Bukhari also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures prior to the cabinet’s approval. PTI rejects federal criticism of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate.
After receiving the cabinet’s recommendation, President Zardari approved the measures, with federal officials citing security reports, political developments, and concerns over coordination with provincial authorities as reasons. Under the constitutional arrangement, Governor Kundi now manages provincial affairs, with the army authorization tied to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to operate under the governor-led administration as long as the federal measures remain in effect.