Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing the province’s worsening security situation. Speaking in Peshawar on Thursday, he described the decision as necessary under “extreme compulsion.” Meanwhile, senior civil and military officials reviewed security challenges and counterterrorism efforts during a provincial apex committee meeting.
The meeting took place at the Governor House and included Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also attended. Other federal ministers and newly appointed provincial advisers joined the discussions. The meeting focused on law and order and measures to strengthen security across the province.
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During the meeting, Shehbaz criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing it of negligence over deteriorating security. He recalled that KP had been a “cradle of peace” six years earlier. However, militant violence has since raised concerns about stability and the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts. The prime minister called for coordinated work to support peace, development and prosperity.
The visit marked Shehbaz’s first trip to KP since the emergency and governor’s rule took effect on October 11. In addition to reviewing security, he was expected to meet Governor Kundi to discuss planned development projects. The discussions came as the federal government stressed the need for stronger cooperation against militancy.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency under Article 232 and governor’s rule under Article 234 of the Constitution. The decision followed a recommendation from the federal cabinet. The government cited worsening security and what it described as insufficient cooperation from the PTI-led provincial administration. These measures changed the province’s governing arrangements.
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Following the decision, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, his cabinet and provincial advisers ceased to hold office. Executive authority shifted to Governor Kundi, while the federal government announced an 11-member advisory council to assist him. Additionally, authorities established an Area Development Secretariat to oversee development in 12 districts affected by terrorism.
The federal government has also authorised the Pakistan Army to assist the civil administration under Article 245. The apex committee reviewed steps to restore peace and improve coordination on security matters. However, the report did not provide a timeline for ending the emergency measures. Further developments will depend on the province’s security situation and the government’s administrative decisions.