Govt imposes emergency, governor’s rule in KP amid security concerns
Governor Kundi to lead 11-member advisory council; arrangement to remain in place for six months, says law minister
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Sunday, following a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in response to the province’s “worsening” security conditions.
“The President approved and signed the summary upon the Prime Minister’s advice under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” the President Secretariat’s Media Wing said in a press release.
The decision followed recommendations from the federal cabinet, formal advice from the prime minister and law-and-order reports submitted by relevant security institutions.
The statement also cited the breakdown of negotiations between the government delegation and the provincial leadership over the deteriorating security situation.The Centre had alleged shortcomings in the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts as grounds for the decision.
The Constitution allows the federal government to make provisions during an emergency, including suspending some constitutional provisions relating to provincial bodies or authorities.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told a news conference in Islamabad that KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi would take charge with the assistance of an 11-member advisory council. He said the arrangement would initially remain in place for six months.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions following a long march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The march began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 after negotiations between the government and opposition failed to reach an agreement.
The talks broke down over disagreements concerning counterterrorism cooperation in KP and access to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, including a meeting with his personal doctor.
The government and opposition traded accusations over the failure to reach an agreement as Afridi continued leading the march through the province.
Governor backs emergency in KP
Following the move, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Sunday that the province’s people welcomed the presidential proclamation, adding that they wanted peace, stability, development and prosperity rather than unrest and insecurity.
In a video message addressed to KP residents, Kundi said the province’s peace-loving people did not support terrorism or violent activities.He said they had resolved not to support Fitna al-Khawarij and would stand shoulder to shoulder with security forces in the fight against terrorists until their last breath.
The governor said residents wanted a peaceful and prosperous future, with brotherly relations and mutual cooperation with other provinces.
He urged them to maintain peace and refrain from violating the law, inciting violence or engaging in rioting, warning that action would be taken against those who disturbed law and order or took the law into their own hands.
Fazlur Rehman terms act ‘attack on democracy’
Separately, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has termed the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule an “attack on democracy”, saying his party will reach out to the public and continue playing its role both inside and outside parliament.
Addressing a press conference, Fazlur Rehman said the government wanted the announcement of an end to the long march before accepting the protesters’ demands.
He said PTI had demanded permission to meet the party’s founder, Imran Khan.
The JUI-F chief said he had held discussions with Sohail Afridi, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Shahram Khan Tarakai and Asad Qaiser regarding the situation.
According to Fazlur Rehman, PTI representatives had said they were ready to call off the long march if their demands were accepted.
Army deployed to assist administration
The federal government has also approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Article 245 of the Constitution, according to a notification.
The army will assist the administration, protect citizens’ lives and safeguard public property and government installations. The deployment will remain in place for the duration of the emergency imposed on October 11.
The KP governor will determine the number of troops in consultation with GHQ and the Military Operations Directorate, the notification said.