PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has declared governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, based on the recommendation made by the federal cabinet. This move shifts the authority over provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Federal officials cited deteriorating security conditions and issues with counterterrorism coordination as primary reasons. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situated along Afghanistan’s border, has experienced frequent militant assaults.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify the action. Article 232 permits emergency measures when severe internal unrest threatens regional or national security, while Article 234 authorizes federal intervention if a provincial government becomes incapable of functioning under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over the executive branch, and Parliament may exercise powers usually held by the provincial legislature. The constitutional framework does not transfer judicial authority to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of provincial governance with support from an advisory council. The administration has allocated portfolios across sectors such as finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam was appointed as the province’s chief secretary by federal authorities. Kundi appealed to residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Following the implementation of the measures, security forces increased their presence around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar.
Federal authorities authorize military assistance
The federal government in Pakistan has also authorized 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 protection for residents, public infrastructure, and critical government facilities during the emergency period. Provincial officials will collaborate with military leaders to coordinate troop deployment. Meanwhile, police and other security agencies continue their efforts to maintain public order, with the governor overseeing the administration.
The intervention stems from ongoing political tensions between the federal government and PTI over security policies and other national issues. Negotiations between the two sides collapsed earlier in October. Supporters of PTI subsequently organized protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI dismisses the allegations against its leader and has repeatedly called for his freedom.
PTI contests the removal of provincial governance
PTI leaders condemned the imposition of governor’s rule, accusing federal authorities of overriding the elected provincial government. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan argued that reducing provincial autonomy would not address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi opposed the emergency measures before they were approved by the cabinet. PTI has rejected federal criticisms of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that it failed to cooperate with authorities.
President Zardari approved the measures after receiving the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s government. The decision was based on security reports, political developments, and concerns regarding coordination with provincial officials. Governor Kundi now manages provincial affairs under the constitutional framework. The military’s involvement remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to operate under the governor-led administration while the federal measures stay in effect.