PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has declared governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, based on the recommendation of 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 cabinet meeting that endorsed this decision was led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The federal authorities cited deteriorating security conditions and challenges in counterterrorism coordination as the primary reasons for intervention. The northwestern province shares a border with Afghanistan and has experienced frequent militant assaults.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution as the legal basis for this action. Article 232 provides for emergency measures when serious internal unrest threatens national or regional security, while Article 234 allows federal intervention when a provincial government is unable to function under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over the executive functions, and Parliament may exercise powers typically reserved for the provincial legislature. It is important to note that judicial authority remains unaffected by this constitutional intervention.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of the provincial administration with support from an advisory council. The administration has been assigned portfolios that include finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam has been appointed as the province’s chief secretary by federal authorities. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and avoid violence throughout this transitional period. Following the announcement, security forces increased their presence around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar to ensure safety.
Federal authorities authorize military assistance
The federal government of Pakistan has also approved the deployment of army personnel and military resources to support civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This authorization was issued by the Interior Ministry under Article 245 of the Constitution. The military’s role includes safeguarding residents, protecting public property, and securing critical government infrastructure during the emergency period. Provincial officials will coordinate troop deployment and requirements with military commanders. Meanwhile, police and other security agencies continue their efforts to maintain public order, with the governor overseeing the administration’s functions.
This move comes after extended 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. Supporters of PTI subsequently staged protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI strongly opposes the charges against its founder and has repeatedly called for his release.
PTI contests the dissolution of provincial government
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 reducing provincial autonomy would not effectively address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures prior to their approval by the cabinet. PTI has dismissed federal criticism of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate with authorities.
President Zardari endorsed the measures after receiving the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s government. The decision was based on security intelligence, political developments, and concerns about coordination with the provincial administration. Under the current constitutional arrangement, Governor Kundi now manages provincial executive affairs. The military authorization remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to operate under the governor-led administration while the federal measures stay in effect.