ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s federal cabinet has reportedly approved the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), citing deteriorating law and order and growing concerns over militant violence in the province.
the decision was taken during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed the province’s security situation and discussed the provincial government’s alleged lack of engagement in counterterrorism efforts.
An official statement issued after the meeting said the cabinet had considered measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The prime minister was advised to proceed with the proposed emergency measures, and a formal summary was reportedly sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for consideration.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Talal Chaudhry were reported to have visited the Presidency to deliver the summary. The proposed measures are expected to take effect following the president’s approval, according to the report.
Under the reported plan, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi would assume executive authority in the province if governor’s rule is formally enforced.
The cabinet meeting focused on worsening law and order conditions and the continuing threat posed by militant groups. Participants reportedly expressed concern over what they described as the provincial government’s failure to actively support the fight against terrorism.
However, the reported decision also prompted discussion about possible political engagement before any final action. Some cabinet members suggested making another attempt to reach an understanding through Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly contacted Fazlur Rehman as part of the proposed effort.
Before the reported approval, officials had also discussed an alternative arrangement involving security-sensitive districts across the province.
Under that proposal, emergency measures would be considered for the province under Article 232, while administrative arrangements for 12 districts facing serious security challenges would be examined separately.
The proposal reportedly included eight districts in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), along with Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak and Kohat. It suggested placing these districts under federal control through a separate administrative secretariat, dedicated administrators and distinct funding arrangements.
The final scope and implementation of any such measures remain subject to the relevant constitutional and legal procedures.
The reported development could have significant political and administrative implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly regarding provincial autonomy, security management and relations between the federal and provincial governments.
