The National Assembly approved an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, backing a presidential proclamation issued on October 11. President Asif Ali Zardari issued the proclamation under the second proviso of Article 232(1). Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary moved the resolution amid strong protests from opposition lawmakers. The decision follows growing tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration.
The federal government announced the emergency and governor’s rule after a cabinet meeting. President Zardari approved the move on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials cited rising militant attacks and accused the provincial administration of failing to maintain public order. They also raised concerns about the province’s support for counterterrorism efforts.
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The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution to justify its decision. Article 232 allows emergency measures during situations such as war or serious internal disturbances. Article 234 addresses circumstances in which a provincial government cannot function according to constitutional requirements. However, the PTI has rejected the government’s allegations and described the move as politically motivated.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI-led government of maintaining links with militant groups. The party has denied these allegations and argued that the security situation provides a pretext for political action. Meanwhile, the PTI is preparing a long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad. Its main demand is the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
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In a separate decision, the federal government approved an Area Development Secretariat for southern and former tribal districts. The initiative will cover Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kurram and North Waziristan. Officials say the proposed structure will address governance, security and development challenges across these areas. Furthermore, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said coordination gaps between the centre and province over terrorism would end.
The PTI has challenged the emergency and governor’s rule in the Peshawar High Court. The legal challenge adds another dimension to the dispute between the provincial opposition and federal authorities. The government maintains that stronger coordination is necessary to address militant violence. However, the move has intensified political tensions as the PTI prepares its planned march to Islamabad.