Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam stated on Monday that all legal prerequisites for imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been met, citing what he described as the “illegal” conduct of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He cautioned that “anything can happen at any time” in the province.
Addressing journalists in Peshawar, Muqam highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by KP’s residents, who have endured prolonged terrorism and made significant sacrifices. He emphasized that the entire nation is witnessing the hardships experienced by the province’s people.
Muqam criticized the PTI-led provincial government, asserting that while the “change” government has replaced chief ministers, it has failed to improve the lives of the populace. He noted that KP voters had entrusted PTI with governance for 13 years, yet the party’s promised objectives remain unfulfilled. Questioning Afridi’s capabilities, Muqam claimed the chief minister was tasked primarily with “looting as much as possible” and securing the release of a prisoner. He further lamented the inadequate provision of education, healthcare, and basic services, stating the provincial government lacks a clear plan of action.
Highlighting law and order as KP’s most pressing issue, Muqam stressed that development cannot progress without peace. He pointed out that his political faction faces security concerns during public events, contrasting this with PTI’s rallies, which reportedly have not experienced similar threats.
Recent violent incidents underscore the security challenges in KP. Earlier this week, a suicide bomber targeted an anti-smuggling checkpoint in Darazanda, Dera Ismail Khan, killing at least 13 people, including two women and a two-year-old child. The previous week, explosions at a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayers resulted in 22 fatalities, including 16 police officers, and left 103 injured.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi warned the provincial government against actions that might necessitate governor’s rule. He affirmed that if President Asif Ali Zardari issues such an order, it would be enforced.
In a related development, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the constitutional clarity regarding emergency imposition. He stated that if conditions warrant an emergency in KP, it should and will be imposed, with all constitutional steps followed accordingly. His comments come amid mounting political friction over KP’s law and order situation and the prospect of federal intervention.
Responding to these developments, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi declared he would not back down in the face of threats related to governor’s rule or emergency measures. Speaking at a Peshawar meeting, Afridi called for inclusive consultations involving the provincial government, administration, and police before implementing any new security policy.
He asserted that the proposed policy could restore peace in KP within 100 days, though he lamented the lack of willingness to consider it. Afridi stressed that revising the security approach serves not only KP’s interests but those of the entire country, cautioning against sacrificing the province for political gains.
The chief minister noted efforts to strengthen the Special Branch and equip police with modern weapons and necessary resources. However, he emphasized that these measures alone are insufficient without a change in federal policy. Afridi reaffirmed his government’s refusal to accept any actions contrary to the public mandate of KP’s people, concluding with a strong statement: “I curse such a chair that forces me to abandon my ideology.”
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