President Asif Ali Zardari has proclaimed an emergency and imposed governor rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The decision comes amid a worsening security situation in the province and alleged shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts.
The President Secretariat confirmed that the summary was approved and signed under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The move followed federal cabinet recommendations, formal advice from the prime minister, and detailed law and order reports from security institutions. Talks between the federal government and provincial leadership had broken down, leaving little room for further dialogue.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced that KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will now lead the province with support from an 11 member advisory council. The arrangement is initially set for six months. The federal government has also approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 to assist the administration, protect citizens, and safeguard public property and government installations during this period.
The development follows heightened political tension after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched a long march from Lakki Marwat on October 4. Negotiations between the government and opposition failed, mainly over counterterrorism cooperation and demands related to access to PTI founder Imran Khan. Both sides traded accusations as the march continued through the province.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi welcomed the proclamation in a video message, stating that the people of KP desire peace, stability, development, and prosperity rather than unrest. He urged citizens to stand with security forces against terrorism and refrain from violence or lawlessness, warning that strict action would be taken against those disturbing public order.
Meanwhile, JUI F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticised the decision, calling it an attack on democracy. He said his party would continue engaging the public and playing its role both inside and outside parliament. According to him, PTI leaders had indicated willingness to end the long march if their key demands were met.
The imposition of governor rule marks a major shift in the province’s administrative setup as federal authorities take direct control to address the deteriorating security environment.
