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. The decision was made during a cabinet session led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Federal officials cited deteriorating security conditions and issues with counterterrorism coordination as 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 the intervention. Article 232 authorizes emergency measures when severe internal unrest threatens national or regional security, while Article 234 permits federal action if a provincial government becomes non-functional under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over executive responsibilities, and Parliament can exercise powers normally held by the provincial legislature. Judicial authority remains unaffected and is not transferred to the federal government.
Kundi has taken charge of the provincial administration with support from an advisory council. The administration has allocated portfolios in finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, federal officials appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as the province’s chief secretary. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Security forces increased their presence around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of the measures.
Federal authorities authorize military assistance
The Pakistani federal government also approved the deployment of 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 order ensures the protection of citizens, public assets, and vital government infrastructure throughout the emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop deployment with military commanders. Police and other security agencies continue their roles in maintaining public order while the governor manages the administration.
This move follows prolonged 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, after which PTI supporters held protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been in custody since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI maintains that the cases against its founder are unjustified and has consistently called for his release.
PTI contests the suspension of provincial governance
PTI leaders condemned the governor’s rule, accusing federal authorities of overriding the province’s elected 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 criticism 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 based on security reports, recent political developments, and concerns about coordination with the provincial government. Kundi now oversees provincial executive affairs under the constitutional framework. The army deployment remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will operate under the governor-led administration as long as these federal measures remain in effect.