PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has implemented governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari based on the recommendation of the federal cabinet. Control of provincial executive responsibilities shifts from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Federal authorities cited deteriorating security conditions and challenges in counterterrorism coordination as reasons for the move. 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 in cases of serious internal unrest that threaten regional or national security. Article 234 allows federal action when a provincial government becomes unable to operate under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes authority over executive functions, and parliament can exercise powers usually held by the provincial legislature. Judicial powers remain with the judiciary, as the constitutional framework does not transfer them to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken on responsibility for provincial governance with support from 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. Kundi urged residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Security forces increased deployment levels around major government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of the measures.
Federal authorities authorize military assistance
Pakistan’s federal government authorized military personnel and assets to aid civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Interior Ministry issued this authorization under Article 245 of the Constitution. It covers safeguarding residents, public property, and critical government infrastructure during the emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop deployment with military commanders. Police and other security agencies remain active in maintaining public order, with the governor overseeing provincial administration.
This move 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, after which PTI supporters continued protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI dismisses the charges against its leader and has repeatedly called for his release.
PTI contests provincial government suspension
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 diminishing provincial autonomy would not resolve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a senior PTI figure, also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures prior to the cabinet’s approval. PTI has rejected federal criticism of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its government failed to cooperate.
President Zardari approved the measures after receiving the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s administration. The decision was based on security intelligence, recent political developments, and concerns over coordination with the provincial government. Under the constitutional arrangement, Governor Kundi now oversees provincial executive functions. The army’s authorization remains linked to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to operate under the governor-led administration while federal measures remain in effect.