Summary PM Shehbaz defends governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Field Marshal Asim Munir and senior officials review security challenges in Peshawar.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday defended the imposition of governor’s rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the measures as a decision taken under “extreme compulsion” amid the province’s worsening security situation.
Chairing a provincial apex committee meeting in Peshawar, the prime minister reviewed law and order challenges and measures to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. He also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of negligence over the deteriorating security situation.
The meeting at the Governor House was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, other federal ministers and newly appointed provincial advisers.
The visit marked Shehbaz Sharif’s first trip to the province since governor’s rule and the emergency were imposed on October 11.
Security concerns
Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a beautiful province and expressed hope that concerted efforts would accelerate its development and prosperity.
“I hope we work hard day and night and speedily make progress towards development and prosperity,” he said.
The prime minister also criticised PTI over the province’s security challenges, recalling that KP had been a “cradle of peace” six years ago. His remarks came amid mounting concerns over militant violence and the federal government’s stated need for stronger cooperation in counterterrorism operations.
The apex committee meeting focused on the overall security situation, law and order challenges and steps to restore peace and stability across the province. Shehbaz Sharif was also expected to meet Governor Kundi to discuss key development projects planned for KP.
Constitutional measures
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the imposition of an emergency under Article 232 of the Constitution and governor’s rule under Article 234 on October 11, following a recommendation from the federal cabinet.
The federal government cited worsening security conditions and what it described as inadequate cooperation from the PTI-led provincial government in counterterrorism efforts as reasons for the measures.
Following the decision, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, his cabinet and provincial advisers ceased to hold office, with executive authority transferred to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
The federal government subsequently announced an 11-member advisory council to assist the governor in administering the province.
It also established a separate Area Development Secretariat to oversee development in 12 districts affected by terrorism: Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Upper South Waziristan, Lower South Waziristan and North Waziristan.
The federal government has also authorised the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist the civil administration.
