ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digiatl) Pakistan’s National Assembly has approved a resolution endorsing the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the motion passed by a majority vote amid strong opposition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers.
The resolution, presented by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, sought parliamentary endorsement of the president’s decision to impose emergency in the province. The session was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, with lawmakers from the government and opposition participating in an extensive debate over security, constitutional authority and political accountability.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the move, arguing that deteriorating security conditions, cross-border infiltration and internal political instability had increasingly become threats to national security.
He said the government had taken the decision after detailed deliberations in the federal cabinet and maintained that constitutional requirements demanded parliamentary approval of an emergency declaration within the stipulated period.
Tarar told the House that Pakistan had experienced a renewed wave of terrorist violence despite sacrifices made by the armed forces and police in previous counterterrorism operations.
He cited figures indicating that more than 3,700 terrorist incidents had occurred during 2026, arguing that the worsening situation required a stronger and coordinated response.
The law minister also criticised the provincial government’s handling of security matters, claiming that political priorities had taken precedence over counterterrorism efforts.
He said the federal government had attempted to resolve disagreements through negotiations before moving forward with the emergency measure. According to Tarar, talks between government and opposition representatives continued for two days, with discussions extending late into the night, but failed to produce a lasting agreement.
He added that disagreements over the treatment and facilities of PTI founder Imran Khan had complicated the negotiations.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly opposed the emergency measure, accusing the federal government of undermining democratic institutions and using security concerns to weaken the provincial administration.
He insisted that his party supported action against terrorism but argued that counterterrorism policy should be discussed with the provincial government and relevant security forums.
Gohar also raised concerns about Imran Khan’s prison conditions and alleged that court orders relating to political matters were not being implemented. He maintained that Pakistan could become stronger only if provincial autonomy and democratic principles were respected.
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also criticised the government’s security record, questioning the effectiveness of policies pursued by successive administrations. He called for direct engagement with the prime minister to address the country’s political and security challenges.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif argued that the security crisis required a united national response. He criticised past decisions concerning the return and handling of militant groups, saying political leaders needed to acknowledge previous policy failures.
Asif maintained that the government had reached a point where it considered emergency measures necessary to address the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The parliamentary debate exposed deep divisions between the government and opposition over the province’s security, political leadership and constitutional arrangements.
With the resolution approved by a majority, the government has secured the National Assembly’s endorsement of the emergency declaration. The broader political dispute, however, remains unresolved, with renewed dialogue likely to be central to efforts to build consensus on counterterrorism and provincial stability.
