PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has enacted governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the recommendation from the federal cabinet. This move shifts control of the province’s executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The cabinet endorsed the measure during a meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The federal government cited escalating security concerns and issues with counterterrorism coordination as justification. The northwestern region, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has experienced numerous militant assaults.
The decision was based on Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution. Article 232 authorizes emergency measures when severe internal unrest threatens regional or national security, while Article 234 allows federal intervention if a provincial government becomes non-operational under constitutional provisions. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes authority over provincial executive functions, and Parliament may exercise powers typically held by the provincial legislature. Importantly, the constitutional framework does not transfer judicial authority to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of the provincial administration with support from an advisory council. Responsibilities have been assigned across sectors such as finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, federal authorities appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as the province’s chief secretary. Kundi called on residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during the transition period. Security forces increased deployments around major government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of the measures.
Army Support Authorized by Federal Authorities
Pakistan’s federal government also authorized military personnel and assets to assist civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the authority of the Interior Ministry’s order issued under Article 245 of the Constitution. This deployment aims to safeguard residents, public infrastructure, and key government facilities during the state of emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop deployment needs with military commanders. Meanwhile, police and other security agencies continue supporting law enforcement efforts, with the governor overseeing administration.
This move comes amid ongoing political tensions between the federal government and PTI over security policies and other national disagreements. Negotiations between the two sides broke down earlier in October, after which PTI supporters intensified protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI dismisses the charges against him and has repeatedly called for his release.
PTI Challenges the Federal Takeover 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 effectively address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also voiced criticism of the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures before they received cabinet approval. PTI continues to reject federal criticism of its counterterrorism policies and disputes claims that its government 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, political developments, and concerns about provincial coordination. Under the constitutional arrangement, Governor Kundi now oversees provincial executive affairs. The army deployment authorization remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains under the governor-led administration as long as federal measures are in effect.