ISLAMABAD: The Federal Government has reiterated that the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is a constitutional option, even as Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenged the Centre to implement the measure. The government is reportedly considering governor’s rule in the province, citing “security and governance issues” as the primary reasons behind the potential move.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified in the National Assembly that governor’s rule is not martial law but a provision included in the Constitution. He emphasized that if circumstances demand, the federal government is within its constitutional rights to implement the measure. Similarly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told reporters that governor’s rule is a legal option available to any government, especially when governance challenges arise.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary urged CM Afridi to avoid increasing tensions between the provincial and federal governments. He highlighted that the Centre has continuously involved the KP chief minister in matters related to security and counter-terrorism. Chaudhary added that Afridi should focus on fulfilling his responsibilities as the provincial head instead of engaging in political point-scoring.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, speaking on Geo News’ *Capital Talk*, confirmed that while governor’s rule remains a constitutional option, no final decision has been made by the federal government. Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week to discuss administrative and security matters, including the possibility of imposing governor’s rule. Federal Ministers Engineer Amir Muqam and Rana Mubashir Iqbal were also present during the meeting.
The discussions reportedly revolved around CM Afridi’s firm stance on cooperation with the federal government, armed forces, and bureaucracy, which has fueled debates about provincial governance. Afridi, in response, openly dared the federal government to impose governor’s rule, reflecting the growing political tension between Islamabad and Peshawar.
As the political discourse intensifies, observers note that the debate over governor’s rule in KP has broader implications for governance, security, and provincial-federal relations in Pakistan. The situation continues to evolve, with the Centre evaluating constitutional options to ensure stability and administrative efficiency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
