Peshawar (The COW News Digital)Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that consultations have taken place over the possibility of imposing Governor’s Rule in the province, amid heightened political tensions and continuing disputes between the federal and provincial governments.
Speaking to reporters in Peshawar on Friday, Kundi said there was a possibility of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and maintained that the Constitution provides for such a measure. He said consultations had already been held on the issue.
The governor linked the discussion to what he described as serious concerns over law and order, governance, corruption and terrorism in the province. He argued that imposing Governor’s Rule would not, in itself, constitute an unconstitutional step.
Kundi also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over its proposed changes to the provincial police system. He claimed that the provincial administration was seeking greater control over police appointments and the functioning of the force.
According to the governor, the proposed changes could give the provincial government greater influence over the appointment of senior police officials, including the Inspector General, DIGs and District Police Officers. Kundi said he would oppose legislation that, in his view, could undermine the existing structure and independence of the police.
He also raised concerns about the salaries and facilities available to KP police personnel, saying the provincial police force receives comparatively low salaries. Kundi argued that police officers should be provided with better facilities rather than being subjected to greater political control.
The governor’s latest comments come amid an ongoing dispute between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration over police administration, law and order and governance.
The issue of Governor’s Rule has gained prominence in recent days. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier said the federal government was consulting the Law Ministry regarding available legal options for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Governor’s Rule. However, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar subsequently said the federal government had no plan to impose Governor’s Rule in the province.
Kundi himself had also said a day earlier that there was no immediate need for Governor’s Rule and that such a move was not then under consideration. His latest statement therefore marks a renewed discussion of the issue amid rapidly changing political circumstances.
The governor also commented on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 long march towards Islamabad. He questioned the party’s preparations and claimed that some PTI members were voluntarily presenting themselves for arrest. He further suggested that the party could announce an end to the march within a day or two. These remarks represent Kundi’s assessment of the situation, while PTI has announced its intention to proceed with the planned protest.
The September 27 march has intensified political tensions between the federal government and the KP administration. Authorities have also been taking security and administrative measures ahead of the planned mobilisation.
Meanwhile, Kundi’s comments have placed Governor’s Rule back at the centre of political debate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the question now linked to the province’s security situation, police administration and the escalating political confrontation surrounding the planned Islamabad march.
