PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has enacted governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, based on the federal cabinet’s recommendation. This move shifts provincial executive authority from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who endorsed the measure. Authorities cited deteriorating security conditions and issues with counterterrorism coordination as reasons. The northwestern province shares a border with Afghanistan and has endured multiple militant assaults.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify this action. Article 232 authorizes emergency measures when severe internal unrest threatens national or regional stability, while Article 234 allows federal intervention if a provincial government becomes unable to operate under constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over executive functions. Additionally, Parliament can exercise powers typically held by the provincial assembly. The constitutional structure does not transfer judicial authority to the federal level.
Kundi has taken charge of provincial governance with support from an advisory council, which manages portfolios including finance, law, health, education, and internal security. The federal government also appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as the province’s chief secretary. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and refrain from violence during the transition period. Security forces increased deployments around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of these measures.
Support from the military authorized by federal authorities
Pakistan’s federal government additionally sanctioned military personnel and resources to aid civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Interior Ministry issued this authorization under Article 245 of the Constitution. The directive covers safeguarding residents, public infrastructure, and vital government facilities during the emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop requirements with the military. Law enforcement agencies continue to assist in maintaining public order, with the governor overseeing the administration.
This intervention results from ongoing political tension between the federal government and PTI over security policies and other national issues. Negotiations between the two parties broke down earlier in October. PTI supporters later held protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Since August 2023, Khan has been in prison, facing several criminal charges. PTI rejects the allegations against its leader and has repeatedly called for his release.
PTI contests the suspension of provincial governance
PTI leaders condemned the governor’s rule, accusing federal authorities of overriding the province’s elected government. Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan stated that reducing provincial autonomy would not solve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a senior PTI figure, also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures prior to the cabinet’s approval. PTI has rejected federal criticism 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 government. The federal authorities based their decision on security intelligence, political developments, and concerns about coordination with the provincial administration. Now, Governor Kundi is responsible for provincial executive affairs under the constitutional framework. The military authorization remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue functioning under the governor-led administration while the federal measures stay in place.