Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the federal move has raised hopes for improved security, while PTI opposes the suspension of its provincial government.
Web Desk: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has claimed that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa welcomed the federal government’s decision to impose Governor’s Rule and declare an emergency, saying the measures had raised hopes for improved security in the province.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday, the information minister defended the federal government’s decision to take control of provincial affairs.
He argued that public reaction to the move showed that residents wanted improved security and an end to militancy. However, his statements represent the government’s assessment of public sentiment and do not independently establish the views of the province’s entire population.
Tarar Claims Public Support for Governor’s Rule
According to Dawn, Attaullah Tarar argued that widespread public support for the PTI-led provincial administration would have resulted in larger protests against the federal government’s decision.
The minister claimed that only a small number of people had gathered to protest the move. He said residents hoped the new administrative arrangement would improve public safety, protect livelihoods and address the province’s security challenges.
Tarar also alleged that a connection between politics and crime had contributed to the situation. These remarks reflect the federal government’s position and should be distinguished from independently verified findings.
Why Was Governor’s Rule Imposed in KP?
The federal government imposed Governor’s Rule and declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, suspending the PTI-led provincial government.
Federal officials justified the decision by citing security concerns and alleging that the provincial administration had failed to take adequate action against militant violence. The government also accused the provincial leadership of disengaging from counterterrorism efforts.
PTI has rejected accusations of supporting militancy and opposed the federal action, saying the province’s security challenges cannot be separated from the federal government’s policies and support for provincial law enforcement. The competing positions remain central to the political dispute.
Political Tensions Continue
The imposition of Governor’s Rule has intensified tensions between the federal government and PTI, which previously governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The dispute centres on provincial authority, security policy and responsibility for tackling militant violence. The federal government says stronger coordination is necessary, while PTI disputes the justification for suspending its provincial administration.
The public response has also become part of the political debate, with government officials pointing to limited protests as evidence of support. Such observations alone, however, do not establish province-wide public opinion.
