PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has enacted governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the recommendation made by the federal cabinet. The move shifts authority over provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the cabinet meeting that endorsed this decision. Federal officials cited deteriorating security conditions and issues related to counterterrorism coordination as reasons for the intervention. The northwestern province, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has experienced multiple militant attacks.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify its actions. Article 232 permits emergency measures when severe internal unrest threatens regional or national security, while Article 234 authorizes federal intervention when a provincial government is unable to operate under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes authority over the province’s executive functions, and Parliament may exercise powers typically held by the provincial legislature. The constitutional framework explicitly excludes the transfer of judicial powers to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of provincial administration 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 called on residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Following the implementation of these measures, security forces increased deployments around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar.
Army assistance authorized by federal authorities
The federal government of Pakistan also authorized the deployment of army personnel and military resources to aid civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This authorization was issued under Article 245 of the Constitution by the Interior Ministry. Its scope includes protecting residents, public property, and vital government installations throughout the state of emergency. Provincial authorities will coordinate troop deployment needs with military officials, while police and other security agencies continue supporting public order operations under the supervision of the governor.
The decision to intervene follows extended political tensions between the federal government and PTI concerning security policy and various national issues. Negotiations between the two sides broke down earlier in October, with PTI supporters subsequently holding protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Since August 2023, Khan has been detained and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI rejects the allegations against its leader and has repeatedly called for his release.
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 stated that reducing provincial autonomy would not address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a senior PTI figure, also criticized the federal intervention, while former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi opposed the emergency measures before the cabinet’s approval. PTI has dismissed federal criticisms of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate.
President Zardari approved the measures after receiving the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s administration. The decision was based on security intelligence, recent political developments, and concerns over coordination with the provincial government. Governor Kundi now oversees provincial executive functions under the constitutional framework. The military’s authorization remains linked to the emergency and governor’s rule, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue operating under the governor-led administration while these federal measures remain in effect.