PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Pakistan enforced governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, based on the recommendation of the federal cabinet. This move transfers authority over provincial executive functions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who endorsed the measure. Authorities cited deteriorating security conditions and issues with counterterrorism coordination as reasons. 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 this action. Article 232 permits emergency measures when significant internal unrest threatens regional or national security, while Article 234 authorizes federal intervention if a provincial government cannot operate according to constitutional standards. During governor’s rule, the governor assumes control over executive functions, and Parliament may exercise authority normally held by the provincial legislature. The constitutional arrangement does not transfer judicial powers to the federal government.
Governor Kundi has taken charge of provincial administration, supported by an advisory council. The administration has allocated portfolios for 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 key government buildings and sensitive sites in Peshawar following the implementation of these measures.
Federal authorities authorize military support for civil administration
The federal government of Pakistan also granted permission for army personnel and military assets to support civilian authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the authority of the Interior Ministry’s order based on Article 245 of the Constitution. This authorization covers safeguarding residents, public property, and vital government installations during the state of emergency. Provincial officials will coordinate troop requirements with military leaders, while police and other security agencies continue to assist in maintaining public order under the oversight of the governor.
This intervention comes amid ongoing political tensions between the federal government and PTI over security policies and broader national issues. Negotiations between the two parties collapsed earlier in October, with PTI supporters continuing protests demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has been detained since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI dismisses the cases against its founder and has repeatedly called for his release.
PTI opposes the suspension of provincial governance
Leaders of PTI condemned the declaration 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 resolve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security issues. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a senior PTI figure, also criticized the federal intervention, while former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi opposed emergency measures before they were approved by the cabinet. PTI has rejected federal criticism of its counterterrorism efforts and disputes claims that its administration failed to cooperate.
Following the cabinet’s recommendation, President Zardari approved the measures, with the decision based on security reports, recent political developments, and concerns about coordination with the provincial government. Now, Governor Kundi is responsible for provincial executive matters under the constitutional framework. The army’s authorization remains linked to the emergency and governor’s rule. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to operate under the governor-led administration as long as federal measures remain in place.