ISLAMABAD: Governor’s Rule and emergency have been enforced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, with the federal government citing escalating terrorism and serious security threats as the main reasons for the constitutional measures.
According to official details, President Zardari signed the summary for imposing emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The summary was signed on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The presidential proclamation cited an extraordinary increase in terrorist incidents and growing security threats in the province. It stated that attacks targeting government installations and law enforcement agencies had increased, creating serious risks to public safety, security and law and order.
The proclamation also alleged that the provincial government had failed to take adequate measures to address terrorism and lawlessness in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the official document, the governor’s report highlighted concerns regarding the functioning of the provincial government and alleged disruptions in the constitutional system.
The report reportedly stated that the provincial government was not functioning in accordance with constitutional requirements under the prevailing circumstances.
In view of what was described as a serious emergency situation, President Zardari considered immediate constitutional action necessary, according to the presidential proclamation.
The emergency was imposed under Article 232(1) of the Constitution, while Governor’s Rule was enforced under Article 234(1). The measures give the federal authorities a greater role in managing the affairs of the province amid the reported security and governance concerns.
The proclamation further stated that the provincial government could not be carried on in accordance with the Constitution under the prevailing circumstances.
The federal government’s decision comes amid growing concerns over terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces have continued operations against militant groups.
The stated grounds for imposing the constitutional measures include an increase in terrorist attacks, assaults on government installations and law enforcement agencies, and concerns raised by the governor regarding the functioning of the provincial administration.
The development marks a major political and constitutional step involving the federal and provincial governments. It is also expected to intensify political debate over governance, security responsibilities and the federal government’s approach to counterterrorism in KP.
Further political and administrative developments are expected following the enforcement of emergency and Governor’s Rule in the province.
