Pakistan Prepares Emergency Rule for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

The Government of Pakistan has finalized preparations to potentially impose a constitutional emergency or governor's rule across the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These measures include planned administrative reshuffles of police leadership, provincial secretaries, and deputy commissioners. The federal government is weighing these options as an alternative if the provincial government fails to cooperate with federal efforts to eliminate terrorism.

Minister of State for Interior Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that while some reports suggested a limited emergency in 12 districts affected by militancy, any constitutional emergency would cover the entire province. The move coincides with a long march led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding the release of Imran Khan. In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has convened party meetings in Peshawar to discuss negotiations and the threat of federal intervention.

Federal cabinet members have been instructed to remain in Islamabad for a high-level meeting. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari are expected to meet with senior military officials to review reports from national security institutions and determine the final course of action based on the outcome of negotiations with opposition parties.