ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR (MNN); The federal government on Sunday imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following approval by President Asif Ali Zardari on the recommendations of the federal cabinet, amid growing tensions between the Centre and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government.
The measures were taken under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, relating to the proclamation of an emergency and the imposition of governor’s rule. The federal government also authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets in aid of civil power in the province.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the security situation in KP was reviewed. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, cabinet members expressed concern over what they described as the provincial government’s deliberate disengagement from counterterrorism efforts.
Following the announcement, internet disruptions were reported in parts of Peshawar and other areas of KP. Telecom sources said mobile networks and data services had been slowed or suspended in selected locations, while internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a major disruption to connectivity in parts of the province. Authorities had not imposed a province-wide internet shutdown, according to the report.
Shipping containers were placed at several locations in Peshawar to block roads, while police deployment was intensified.
PTI claims arrests of Sohail Afridi, Junaid Akbar
The political situation further escalated after KP Information Minister Shafi Jan claimed that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been taken into custody. PTI leaders, including MNA Shahid Khattak, also claimed that Afridi, PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar and other party members had been arrested.
However, the reports could not be independently confirmed. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry acknowledged that some individuals had been detained in view of the law and order situation but did not confirm whether Afridi was among them.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party did not know Afridi’s whereabouts or the conditions in which he was being held. Party leaders also cited communication difficulties caused by internet disruptions.
PTI strongly condemned the reported arrests, describing them as political victimisation and an attempt to weaken the province’s elected leadership. The party demanded the immediate release of its leaders and disclosure of the legal grounds for their reported detention.
PTI rejects emergency, threatens legal action
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan rejected the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule, calling the decision undemocratic and a serious political mistake.
He said peace could not be established by undermining provincial autonomy or disregarding the public mandate. While reiterating that the elimination of terrorism was a national priority, he maintained that counterterrorism efforts should not be used to suppress political opposition or curtail constitutional rights.
Gohar said PTI would challenge the decision through courts, assemblies and other democratic forums.
The PTI parliamentary party also unanimously rejected the measures, warning that rendering the elected provincial government ineffective could threaten Pakistan’s federal structure and deepen political instability.
The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), of which PTI is a part, also termed the decision unconstitutional and announced plans to formulate a joint response.
Advisory council and new chief secretary appointed
Following the imposition of emergency, the federal government formed an 11-member technocratic KP Advisory Council to assist Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in administering the province.
The government also appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan, a Grade-22 Pakistan Administrative Service officer and former secretary of the Power Division, as KP’s chief secretary with immediate effect.
Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada, a Grade-20 officer previously serving as an additional secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, was also placed at the disposal of the provincial government.
Governor Kundi said the measures were intended to restore peace, promote development and protect the people of KP. He urged political leaders and citizens to set aside their differences and work together for lasting stability.
Constitutional provisions
Article 232 provides for the proclamation of an emergency under specified circumstances, including threats to national security arising from war, external aggression or internal disturbance beyond a provincial government’s control.
Article 234 deals with a failure of constitutional machinery in a province and provides for governor’s rule. Under the constitutional provision cited in the report, such a proclamation must be presented before a joint sitting of Parliament and ordinarily ceases after two months unless approved for continuation. It cannot remain in force for more than six months.
Article 233, which concerns the suspension of certain fundamental rights during an emergency, was not mentioned in the presidential summary cited in the report.
PM Shehbaz defends decision
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government would not allow the PTI-led KP administration to destabilise the country’s economic recovery.
He also expressed grief over the deaths of civilians, police personnel, security officials, women and children in terrorist incidents, and reiterated Pakistan’s calls for Afghanistan to take action against terrorist elements operating from its territory.
The prime minister additionally referred to a recent staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), expressing hope that Pakistan would secure a $1.2 billion tranche within the year.
He praised the political and military leadership for their role in maintaining fiscal discipline and highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the region.
