Pakistan Weighs Governor’s Rule or Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Key Talks Loom
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s federal leadership is expected to hold important consultations on Thursday over the political and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with constitutional options including an emergency or governor’s rule under discussion, according to local media reports.
Express News reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister Amir Muqam to the Prime Minister’s House for consultations on developments in the province. A further meeting at the Presidency could also take place later in the day, where the prime minister is expected to brief President Asif Ali Zardari on the situation.
The discussions are expected to examine the political, legal and constitutional implications of any potential federal intervention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No decision to impose governor’s rule or an emergency had been announced at the time of reporting.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said earlier that the federal government was “seriously considering” an emergency in the province, citing rising terrorism and accusing the provincial administration of failing to adequately address the security situation. He specifically referred to the possibility of action under Article 232 of the Constitution.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have rejected the federal government’s criticism. Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan said KP itself was a victim of terrorism and disputed allegations made against the provincial administration.
The developments come ahead of PTI’s planned march towards Islamabad on October 4. PTI leaders say the protest will proceed, while party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has opposed both governor’s rule and an emergency and said the party would pursue legal remedies if such measures were imposed.
Political parties outside PTI have also expressed differing views. PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said his party would give its position in accordance with the Constitution and law if formally consulted, while ANP President Aimal Wali Khan has publicly opposed both governor’s rule and an emergency.
With consultations continuing, the situation remains developing and any constitutional action would depend on the formal process required under Pakistan’s Constitution.
