Pakistan Federal Government Threatens Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Federal ministers warn of imposing Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following a surge in terrorism and political disputes with the PTI-led provincial government.
The federal government of Pakistan is considering the imposition of Governor's Rule or a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing a breakdown in law and order and political instability. Amir Muqam, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, announced that all legal requirements for such a move have been met, alleging that the provincial government has prioritized political activities over public security.
This escalation follows a wave of terrorism, including a suicide bombing in Dera Ismail Khan that killed 13 people and a mosque attack in Kohat that killed 22. Muqam further accused Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of misappropriating billions in donations for a planned long march and attempting to create a "state within a state" by conducting unauthorized talks with Afghanistan and the Taliban.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stated that intervention would occur if President Asif Ali Zardari issued an order and constitutional requirements under Articles 232 or 234 were fulfilled. Such a move would strip the provincial cabinet of executive authority and transfer legislative powers to the federal Parliament.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi rejected the threats, arguing that peace could be restored within 100 days if the federal government revised its security policy. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rescheduled its planned march on Islamabad to October 4, while party leader Naeem Haider Panjutha warned that federal intervention would only worsen the provincial situation.
