PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday said consultations had been held on the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province, while pointing out that the Constitution provides for such a measure.
Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Kundi said the possibility of governor’s rule could not be ruled out. His remarks came as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepared for a nationwide protest and a planned march towards Islamabad on September 27.
“Consultations have taken place for governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the governor said, adding that the Constitution allows for its imposition.
Kundi’s comments came shortly after Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said the federal government had no plans to impose governor’s rule in KP. Tarar had said the province needed “people’s rule” and good governance instead.
The PTI has announced a protest and long march towards Islamabad for September 27, with the party demanding the release of its founder Imran Khan and the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
In preparation for the planned demonstration, access on several highways and motorways leading to Islamabad has been restricted or closed. The federal government has also authorised the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab to maintain public order during the scheduled political activities.
Commenting on the PTI’s preparations, Kundi claimed that some party workers were now seeking ways to avoid confrontation and arrest. He also said the PTI had not made adequate preparations for the planned march.
The governor further accused the KP government of attempting to bring the provincial police under its control, alleging that efforts were being made to turn the force into a “tiger force”.
Kundi said a former chief minister had also attempted to exercise greater control over the police.
He also raised concerns about the salaries of KP police personnel, saying they were the lowest among provincial police forces. According to Kundi, the government could not deny police personnel adequate benefits while simultaneously seeking greater control over the force.
The governor said he would oppose any such move, adding that he would stand against measures aimed at undermining the independence of the police force.