Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has challenged the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the Peshawar High Court, seeking the restoration of the elected provincial government.
In a petition filed through lawyer Ali Zaman, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan argued that the federal government’s decision was discriminatory and that political differences could not justify curtailing the powers of an elected administration. The party also questioned the constitutional validity of the measures under Articles 232 and 234.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency on October 11 on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing security concerns and counterterrorism efforts.
Under the arrangement, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi oversees provincial affairs with the assistance of an 11-member advisory council, while Parliament exercises the legislative powers of the provincial assembly. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the arrangement would initially remain in place for six months.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Gohar said the move had effectively ended democratic governance in the province. He confirmed that the party had requested an early hearing, expressing hope that the court would restore the elected government.
The emergency followed a PTI-led march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan and access to medical treatment. Negotiations between the government and opposition had collapsed over counterterrorism cooperation and access to the incarcerated former prime minister.
NA, Senate Approves Resolutions Seeking Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa