The federal government of Pakistan has assumed direct control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the northwestern province previously administered by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. President Asif Ali Zardari signed a proclamation on Sunday that imposed a state of emergency and invoked constitutional provisions for governor’s rule, effectively removing the provincial government from office. The decision came after negotiations between federal and provincial authorities broke down regarding a planned PTI march to Islamabad seeking the release of Khan, the party’s jailed leader.
Under the new arrangement, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who belongs to the PPP allied with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, will assume provincial executive functions. The provincial assembly’s powers have been transferred to the national Parliament, where Sharif’s coalition commands a majority. Provincial officials, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, have ceased holding office, though legal scholars note this appears to constitute suspension rather than permanent removal. An 11-member advisory council will assist the governor, with military support expected for law and order operations.
Federal authorities justified the measures by citing severe security threats, particularly in 12 designated districts along the Afghan border. Government officials stated that these areas require enhanced federal coordination and resources. Constitutional provisions requiring separation of judicial and executive functions have been suspended in these districts, allowing executive officers to perform judicial duties. A separate federal secretariat will oversee these designated zones.
The government attributed the emergency to escalating terrorist activity, noting that armed attacks nationwide increased significantly in recent months, with the majority concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Officials alleged the provincial government had failed to adequately address terrorism and suggested connections between PTI figures and armed groups, though no public evidence was presented. Senior government figures indicated that PTI officials could face detention if deemed necessary for maintaining order.
The PTI rejected the government’s actions, with party leaders questioning why full emergency rule applied province-wide if security concerns were localized to specific districts. PTI officials stated the provincial government had actively fought terrorism and contended that other provinces with security challenges had not faced similar measures. The party confirmed detention of multiple provincial officials but said the government had not disclosed their locations.
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