PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan has implemented a state of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the federal cabinet’s recommendation. This decision shifts the authority over provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The cabinet meeting that approved the move was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The federal government cited deteriorating security conditions and issues with counterterrorism coordination as reasons for the intervention. The northwestern province, sharing a border with Afghanistan, has experienced multiple militant attacks.
The government invoked Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution to justify their action. Article 232 permits emergency measures in response to serious internal unrest threatening national or regional security, while Article 234 allows federal intervention when a provincial government is unable to operate under constitutional standards. Under governor’s rule, the governor assumes authority over executive functions during this period. Parliament can also exercise powers normally held by the provincial legislature, although judicial powers remain with the judiciary and are not transferred to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of provincial administration with support from an advisory council. The administration has allocated portfolios covering finance, law, health, education, and internal security. Additionally, federal authorities appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam as the province’s chief secretary. Kundi urged residents to uphold public order and avoid violence during this transitional phase. Security forces increased deployments around key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the enforcement of these measures.
Federal authorities authorize military assistance
The federal government of Pakistan also granted permission for army personnel and military assets to support civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This authorization was issued by the Interior Ministry under Article 245 of the Constitution. It covers the protection of residents, public property, and critical government facilities throughout the emergency period. Provincial officials will coordinate troop requirements with military commanders. While the military and police continue supporting public order operations, the governor oversees the provincial administration.
This move comes amid ongoing political tension between the federal government and PTI over security policies and other national disagreements. Negotiations between the two parties broke down earlier in October, after which PTI supporters organized protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been in custody since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal charges. PTI rejects the cases against him and has consistently called for his release.
PTI contests the removal of provincial government
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 address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Senior PTI figure Zulfiqar Bukhari also criticized the federal intervention. Former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had opposed emergency measures before their approval by the cabinet. PTI continues to reject federal criticism of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate.
President Zardari ratified the measures after receiving the cabinet’s recommendation from Prime Minister Sharif’s government. The decision was based on security reports, recent political developments, and concerns over coordination with provincial authorities. Under the constitutional framework, Governor Kundi now manages provincial executive affairs. The military authorization remains tied to the emergency and governor’s rule framework. While the measures are in effect, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to operate under the governor-led administration.